Transformation of Concept Evaluation Studies with Cloud Native Digital Twins

Abstract

Abstract The adoption of cloud native digital twin platforms has, in the past 3–4 years, begun to alter completely the execution and delivery model for offshore concept and pre-FEED studies. When stakeholders visualize the field development concepts in 1D/2D/3D, ensure appropriate project data is shared seamlessly, and understand the remaining tasks needed to close the study considerable efficiencies will be attained. The early evaluation of these novel execution methods show project delivery time reductions of 45–55%. Time spent by valuable staff finding and assembling the necessary data to conduct concept selection and Pre-FEED studies is better spent creating and evaluating a larger concept catalog. The digital twin platform streamlines gathering and the sharing of the 3D surveys, WMS data, legacy data stored in GIS, and even data in Excel files. Critical project data no longer is shared by staff via "electronic" files, email. The digital twin platform has unleashed secure project data via novel workflows inside the secure data platform in real time via the cloud. The team generates many more concept variants than ever before and by using the platform's APIs delivers concept data into external tools needed (cost, risk, engineering) for their screen processes. Early phase project teams typically spend over 50 or 60% of their time working on a project just locating and assembling the various datasets that are needed to begin their workflows. The digital twin platform can easily ingest data from a wide variety of sources and build the background 3D model. The reported time savings for concept study workflows are: Build 3D background models – 40%; layout production equipment – 30%; route pipelines and umbilicals – 50%; create Concept Selection Report (Cost Estimates, MELs, 2D maps, 2D schematic of system) - 60%; Equipment Datasheets – 60% Teams have reported that when major inputs to or requirements for the concept study have changed, such as well count or well location, the required effort to build the new concept catalog can be up to 70% less than without the use of the digital twin platform. Traditional early phase project delivery methods are inefficient, creating unnecessary risk and uncertainty for front end teams from both operators and suppliers. Teams adopting a cloud-based, digital twin platform have created transformative workflows for the delivery of concept and Pre-Feed phases. These efforts have shown to boost productivity by nearly 50% and, more importantly, are allowing a deeper concept catalog to be studied which ultimately reduces the risk when executing the project in the EPCI phase.