Abstract
This paper shows the results of routine field application of an innovative tool for the integrated production optimization of surface facilities based on a biogenetic algorithm. Periodical runs of the tool have been performed in order to evaluate changes in configuration of the system or mitigation of possible production losses, allowing the complete exploitation of field potential at each stage of field production life.
The described integrated production optimization tool has the ability to integrate well performances, gathering system calculation, and process plant simulation in a unique environment in order to optimize the field configuration. Thanks to a powerful biogenetic algorithm the searching of the optimum field configuration is performed. Conflicts and interactions between variables, constraints, and operational limitations are balanced and solved holistically by the optimization tool. The operative procedure on the application of integrated modeling production optimization by means of this innovative tool, foresees the run of the model on a periodical basis in order to evaluate possible changes in asset configuration and mitigate production losses associated to workovers or system re-start after possible shutdown.
The integrated production modeling was developed for an on-shore oil field and applied regularly to evaluate different scenarios encountered during its operational life and optimize the field configuration at each stage. This paper illustrates different examples coming from the application of the operative procedure for integrated production optimization modeling. First, results are presented on the application of the tool to mitigate production losses during a workover. After a complete field shutdown, different scenarios were analyzed with the support of the optimization tool in order to evaluate the best configuration during the startup phase. Finally, the optimum desired flow rate was calculated for a gas-lift well in order to maximize the global system production. Results of the simulation were shared with the reservoir department for the management of gas injection rate.
Short-term production operation management is supported by routinely application of the presented innovative tool. The holistic optimization of complex surface systems allows the complete exploitation of field potential and production losses mitigation at each stage of field production life.
