Bridging the Gap Between Real-Time Optimization and Information-Based Technologies

Abstract

For the past several years, the problem of reducing time-to-decision in field operations and capital projects has been repeatedly described and analyzed in qualitative and anecdotal terms. In this paper, we take an engineering approach to measure and understand the problem in quantitative and fact-based terms. We first review the mission of the SPE IT Technical Section-Oilfield Integration (SPE ITTS OI) subcommittee. Several contexts of oilfield integration and their role in Digital Oilfield of the Future (DOFF) initiatives are identified. We discuss the results of our study, and compare the results with those from other studies conducted by the SPE and also by two integrated oil companies (IOCs). We address the goal of "reducing time to decision," and show how even the most basic data-integration gaps can slow decisions with great economic impact. In information management and decision-making, the mondegreen "data commute" is the biggest problem area. The data commute absorbs over half the time that engineering and operations personnel could be spending making crucial decisions to effectively manage E&P assets. We review some case studies and their economic impact. Beyond "saving half of an engineer's time," several other more subtle gaps in the industry's current modeling and integration approaches are identified and evaluated. We conclude with showing how some of these gaps have been filled in other industries outside of oil & gas, and cite some examples that could be applicable in production surveillance and optimization. Introduction Every day engineers and geoscientists have to deal with time-consuming and manual search processes involving multiple applications, to answer even the most basic operational questions on the performance of individual wells to an entire field. DOFF initiatives are aimed at solving time-based problems by focusing on remote performance management and optimization, total producing asset awareness and visibility, right-time analysis and decision-making, and accurate and rapid operational execution. The oil & gas industry has repeatedly confirmed its shared interest and principles of DOFF, which first and foremost depends on enabling people to make decisions that avert problems, improve operations, and optimize production. The mission of the SPE ITTS OI subcommittee is to facilitate implementation of the digital oilfield through integration of information, technology, people, and processes. SPE ITTS OI identifies opportunities for improvement and supports the development and implementation of IT integration solutions, standards, and best practices spanning E&P business, surface, and subsurface domains. The SPE ITTS Oilfield Integration subcommittee and SPE Real-Time Optimization TIG have conducted several in-depth statistical studies that show that an unacceptable percentage of professionals in the E&P workforce are spending too much time searching for data, integrating it from multiple sources, and preparing it for analysis in applications.2,3 Once the data is in the application package for analysis, any updated or more recent data require a repeat of a tedious, uncreative, and nonproductive process to prepare and reload data. The time that could have otherwise been spent making operational or project decisions is lost completely to activity that has nothing to do with engineering and geoscience training. In this work, we recognize a fundamental tenet: Decisions drive actions that create value. We focus on the productive and economic impacts of making informed decisions sooner: "If I can make that decision accurately, but a month earlier, and can do this across many projects, many wells, many fields…". Obviously, faster decisions with precision have tremendous value, and provide much leverage in an industry hindered by a shortage of qualified people.

Integrated Operations: Value and Approach in the Oil Industry

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