The Na Kika field, in the Mississippi Canyon deepwater region of the Gulf of Mexico, is produced from subsea wells using a network of piggable flowline loops. This paper examines the flow stability of the Na Kika North Oil Loop (NOL) serving the Kepler and Ariel fields, and the South Oil Loop (SOL) serving the Herschel and Fourier fields.
Predictions of operational stability using a dynamic multiphase pipeline simulator are compared with operational records for selected periods in 2004–2006. Flow stability is also examined for a range of flowrates and future anticipated water cuts.
The beneficial role of gas lift added at the manifold closest to the riser base is demonstrated for some flowrates. An adverse flow stability effect of gas lift is noted for other flowing conditions.
This paper illustrates a methodology for analysing and presenting flow stability results in a way which is useful in gaining stability during day-to-day operations.
