OML-XYZ Production System Debottlenecking Using IPM

Abstract

Abstract OML-XYZ is one of the largest producing and mature assets in Addax Petroleum Nigeria Limited and for a number of years, as drilling activity and the attendant well production potential have increased, has experienced bottlenecks in its production system (production potential recorded during testing of new wells was not fully released at FPSO after hook-ups to production line, even factoring in expected pipeline losses). In some cases, after new producers were brought on stream, there was no noticeable increase in throughput at FPSO. Combining the complexity in the field architecture layout (evidenced by the number of well head platforms, well hook-up points, oil and gas-lift pipelines network & other surface facilities) and the lack of access to real-time pressure & production data, it was difficult to establish reason behind bottlenecks detected in the system. A production system network model was constructed with the purpose of simulating functional relationships between fluid flow and pressure drop at critical nodes in the production system, such as well head, manifolds, pipelines and separators for different operating conditions. This paper addresses the OML-XYZ production system and reviews the methodology of capturing flow behavior from reservoir to FPSO, utilizing an integrated production model (IPM). In identifying OML-XYZ production bottlenecks using the IPM, daily field data was reasonably matched and was subsequently used for short and medium term production forecasting, field monitoring, production optimization and facilities requirements. Results of production optimization studies showed that considerable production gains could be achieved through gas-lift optimization and targeted facilities upgrade. Some examples of preliminary gains from this optimization are also presented.