Abstract
In this article, the optimization of a realistic oil and gas separation plant has been studied. Using Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) and rigorous process simulations, surrogate models using Kriging have been established for selected model responses. The surrogate models are used in combination with an evolutionary algorithm for optimizing the operating profit, mainly by maximizing the recoverable oil production. A total of 10 variables representing pressure and temperature at various key places in the separation plant are optimized to maximize the operational profit. The optimization is bounded in the variables and a constraint function is included to ensure that the optimal solution allows export of oil with a Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) < 12 psia. The main finding is that, while a high pressure is preferred in the first separation stage, apparently a unique optimal setting for the pressure in downstream separators does not appear to exist. In the second stage separator, apparently different, yet more or less equally optimal, settings are revealed. In the third and final separation stage a correlation between the separator pressure and the applied inlet temperature exists, where different combinations of pressure and temperature yields equally optimal results.
Highlights
Separation of hydrocarbon reservoir fluids into oil, gas, and water prior to further transport and downstream processing and refining is performed in surface facilities where the multiphase fluids are passed through a number of separators, in which the pressure is gradually decreased to a level where the final oil product is stabilized to a certain degree
Worth noting from the contours, it appears as if a 2nd stage separator pressure of around 8 barg is slightly better than a pressure around 5 barg
Using Design and Analysis of Computer Experiments (DACE), utilizing Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS), and a rigorous process simulation model, surrogate models using Kriging have been established for selected model responses
Summary
Separation of hydrocarbon reservoir fluids into oil, gas, and water prior to further transport and downstream processing and refining is performed in surface facilities where the multiphase fluids are passed through a number of separators, in which the pressure is gradually decreased to a level where the final oil product is stabilized to a certain degree. This is normally specified as a maximum allowed True Vapor Pressure (TVP) or Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) value. Excessive flashing will occur, if the crude has not been properly stabilized upstream and eventually this may lead to increased flaring, to the harm of the environment
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