Abstract
In oil and gas fields, the availability of data enables front-line operators and asset teams make informed decisions to intervene, troubleshoot and optimize the production system for oil and gas production targets to be achieved. In most cases, the data is not available thus frontline operators reactively intervene to address production challenges which inadvertently leads to equipment and facility shut-down, unscheduled downtime and ultimately significant production deferment. We have hitherto seen a transition to data-driven decision systems, also referred to as Digital Oil Field (DOF) technology.
DOF Technology is the integration of data, automation and instrumentation technologies that provides a realistic overview of field processes which helps monitor operations for proactive intervention in order to reduce cases of production deferment. It entails real-time monitoring for improved Well and Reservoir Facility Management (WRFM), Production Optimization, Asset Integrity Management and most importantly overall improvements to safety of personnel, that is, minimizing the risk of exposure to high pressure systems at wellhead locations and ensuring significant cost savings. The data gathering framework uses Random Phase Multiple Access (RPMA) and IIOT (Industrial Internet of Things) network anchored on a cloud platform. These services are owned and operated by a local fully Nigerian owned company.
Within the framework of DOF Technology, high-fidelity real-time monitoring sensors have been deployed to 8 gas-condensate producing wells flowing to a Non-Associated Gas (NAG) facility with 5 Processing trains utilizing Joule-Thompson Technology for hydrocarbon dew pointing. The facility has a total installed capacity of 465 MMscf/d and delivers custody of the processed gas according to West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) specifications via two legacy sales lines 16" and 20" respectively to Nigeria Gas Company (NGC).
This paper presents the application and deployment of the DOF Technology Solution for Real-Time Monitoing of Gas Wells in remote locations to primarily ascertain health status of producing wells, flow assurance and deliverability to customer for power generation and industrial development.
