On-Line Oil and Grease Monitoring is Instrumental in Short-Time Recovery of Upset Conditions in Produced Water

Abstract

Abstract On-line oil and grease monitoring affords the producer the ability to evaluate equipment and chemical performance in real time. Old methods of collecting and analyzing discrete samples to determine the effectiveness of equipment and chemical programs in produced water being discharged in the Gulf of Mexico may not be suitable in the future. Water moves so rapidly that in many cases, an upset condition can occur undetected for extended periods even while samples are being run periodically. On-line oil and grease monitoring alone will not prevent upset conditions; however, it will alert the producer and allow a prompt response. This paper deals with a case history of on-line monitoring for a period of 14 months on a platform in the South Timbalier area of the Gulf of Mexico. Using on-line monitoring and current SCADA systems, trending data representing oil ppm versus time can be displayed. By monitoring and evaluating on-line trending data, the root cause of upset conditions can be determined. Data shows that for each upset condition, an identifiable symptom was apparent; therefore, troubleshooting guidelines could be established for this site. This case history demonstrates the effectiveness, reliability and accuracy of on-line monitoring in the Gulf of Mexico. On-line monitors aid in evaluating equipment, reducing down time, saving manpower, optimizing chemical programs, and minimizing non-compliance time. The case history shows how a useful correlation between EPA methods of oil and grease measurement and on-line monitoring can be derived.