Learnings on Sustainable Model-Based Optimisation—The Valhall Optimiser Field Trial

This paper discusses the role of modelling and optimisation in BP's FIELD OF THE FUTURE Short-Loop optimisation programme. The focus is on the short-term optimisation of oil and gas production subject to the constraints imposed by hydrocarbon reservoir management and the associated protection of reserves. Reservoir modelling itself is not discussed; rather it is assumed that an effective reservoir depletion strategy has been defined and can be used to set boundaries for the short term optimisation of production.The primary objective of the paper is to support the case for the widespread use of mechanistic modelling in support of operational decision making. Past experience in BP, with modelling and optimisation technologies, has shown that there is a huge potential for increased production from the use of models in support of daily operations, once the quality of these models has been assured.The paper reviews the current business drivers for optimisation in BP and summarises some of the historical experience with model based optimisation in BP's Exploration and Production segment. The paper concludes by summarizing some of the key learnings that the FIELD OF THE FUTURE programme is taking forward as the basis for the design and deployment of a new optimisation capability within BP. called Model Based Operational Support (MBOS).

Section: The Valhall Optimisermentioning

confidence: 97%

Modelling and Optimisation in BP Exploration and Production; Case Studies and Learnings

Stenhouse¹

2008

“…The above considerations clearly make implementation methodology a key art and science when introducing new technology into the field of Oil & Gas operations (see Stenhouse, B. and Goodwin, S. 2004;Stenhouse, B. 2006).…”

Section: Technologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Production Optimization in an Oil Producing Asset – The BP Azeri Field Optimizer Case

Jalilova¹,

Tautiyev²,

Forcadell

et al. 2008

The Azeri Field Optimizer is a modeling and optimization platform that encompasses the requirements of offshore and onshore production teams in a single, unified decision support system. The tool supports the following functionalities: data gathering and conditioning, model validation and calibration, economic process optimization and what-if analysis. The Azeri Field Optimizer uses Aspen HYSYS, PROSPER, Microsoft Excel, Aspen IP.21 data historian and ad-hoc MS SQL databases.The heart of the tool is a high fidelity asset-wide model linked to an optimization solver that receives plant data from a centralized data historian (IP.21). The model uses a combination of first principles and bespoke algorithms to provide an accurate representation of all pressure-flow relationships, material balances and energy equations from the well bores to product delivery points.The tool has been designed around the existing asset workflows and processes to facilitate the adoption of the technology and it has been created in such a way that allows dynamic re-configuration of the model and optimization problem by automatically capturing equipment availability indicators. This enables the asset optimization team to perform accurate dayto-day production analysis and optimization studies in a timely fashion.The system has been tested in a number of real production situations where it has helped to: a) pinpoint hidden process behaviors that can be turned into an opportunity for economic improvement, b) identify process bottlenecks under various different production scenarios, c) co-relate offshore and onshore process constraints to find true overall optimums, and d) identify potential oil production increases averaging 3%. This paper describes the technology and methodologies used for creating the Azeri Field Optimizer and discusses on the benefits achieved so far.

“…Other examples of operational optimization of oil and gas production include, for example [14,15]. See also the surveys [16,17].…”

Section: Operational Optimization Of Oil and Gas Productionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Closing the Loop for Improved Oil and Gas Production Management

Dijk

Goh

Lienden³

2008

Well and Facility Operations make operating decisions based on processing huge amounts of data. However, there is a practical limit to the number of optimization moves an operator can make (due to: changing operating constraints, plant disturbances or interactions, fundamental process delays and dynamics, and the remoteness of wells). Automatic Process Control enhances the speed and accuracy with which decisions can be made and is essential for optimization. However, the advantages of automatic process control are often underestimated; hence the discipline is under-staffed and under-utilized.Process Control also plays a crucial role in plant safety and availability as stable wells or facilities are operated more frequently within the design window. Stable operation results in fewer shutdowns, less breakdown maintenance, less deferment, less flaring, lower operational cost, and sometimes even higher ultimate recovery. The impact of process instabilities on overall well or facility performance are often not recognized; a single trip may wipe out months of optimization benefits.To achieve the full potential of process control in Oil and Gas Production requires change management; Process Control technology skills need to be used throughout the whole projects lifecycle and integrated with the various processes from field development planning to surveillance and optimization. This paper will provide the following examples:1. automatic control of producer wells to prevent coning and/or gas breakthrough, 2. automatic control of injection wells to control water flooding and prevent fracturing, 3. capacity and surge controls for compressor networks, 4. control applications for the suppression of slugs, and, 5. higher level process control applications, where the application of automated control technology has improved production surveillance, management, and optimization. The role of Process Control in Exploration and ProductionHistorical perspective Most engineers and managers confuse Process Control with Instrumentation; i.e. they think Process Control is only about the video screens in the control room and the associated computers. However, Process Control is the rationale behind the visible systems (instruments and valves) and the strategy about realizing process objectives. Design decisions are made when devising the control strategy; if the level in a vessel is higher than the desired level, the control strategy is either to open the valve of the liquid outlet stream or to throttle a valve in the incoming stream. The right choice will depend on the process itself and the process objectives of the integrated facility (i.e. the consequences of the strategy upstream or downstream of the unit must be considered). Certain control objectives will be conflicting or have different priorities. It is also important to consider the dynamics of the process, the drifts and changes in the underlying equipment and processes, the measurement noise, and the possible disturbances that can occur.