A new client requested a sparge & vent pilot-study to assess an operational retail petroleum facility. ReRem proposed a positive-displacement (PD) SVE skid with VFD, vane compressor, interconnects, labor and generator. The proposal was accepted, without the generator. This was a cost-saving measure. We were assured the facility had ample electricity near our test location and on-site electrician.
Test day: we arrived at 0700, i setup the equipment while they collect base-line measurements. By 0900 we were ready to start. No electrician and the distance to power was under-estimated. We waited. The electrician arrived at 1100 and promptly left for additional materials. He returned and completed his work by 1300.
We began the test and collected 4-hours of data, shut-down was prompted by darkness and Health & Safety requirements. As the test is prescribed for 8-hours, the client was face with a decision: accept a truncated test or continue the following day. The budget precluded a second day and the unit-cost structure did not acknowledge shorter periods… We conducted a second, half-day test to meet the criteria and the client spent the remainder to the day awaiting the electrician to undo our power supply.
ReRem Equipment provides a truck-mounted diesel generator and pretests all equipment prior to mobilization. This step assures prompt start-up and timely project execution. The cost for the generator: $250/day.
Typically, these tests are completed in 10 to 12 hours, including 8 hours of data. Labor for that site was two-days for the PM, geologist, tech, ReRem’s equipment specialist, and the electrician. I don’t think the ‘unit cost’ will cover his proposed savings.
MORAL: Don’t step over dollars to save dimes.