Several steady-state multiphase flow modeling softwares have been utilized to optimize production pipelines and injection networks. These softwares lack suitable integration tools to incorporate geospatial data. Recently a new study was completed by integrating a modeling software with the Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS technology is widely used in oil and gas pipeline networks for data storage and retrieval purpose but not as an analysis and decision making tool. GIS handling of topographic and linear features was utilized for simulation purposes in the model. This study highlights the benefits of integrating pipeline simulation software with GIS on an existing complex surface production network. This integration became a tool that enables engineers to better manage field production and unlock production potential.

In order to improve the modeling of a field surface network with variable surface topography, an integrated wells model was constructed with the corresponding surface facilities. The integrated model took into account elevation profiles captured directly from the GIS and calibrated against field data. Over 40 oil wells and their respective flow lines were modeled, and then connected to the Gas/Oil Separation Plant (GOSP). The elevation aspect of the topography made the modeling results more reliable. To capture the value of this technique the results were analyzed against the existing network models that did not consider the elevation changes. The new technique honored the elevation of the wells with respect to the GOSP leading to unlocking more production potential.

The successful integration between GIS and the pipeline simulation software resulted in unlocking oil production potential and accurately modified choke adjustments. This methodology greatly improves the process of optimizing the existing pipeline networks by adding more layer of complexity to the models, which is topography. It also enables engineers to better plan future wells placement by taking into account the area topography.

Keywords:
Modeling & Simulation, piping design, piping simulation, network model, pipeline network, geographic information system, surface pipeline, coordinate system, Artificial Intelligence, Upstream Oil & Gas
Subjects:
Processing Systems and Design, Pipelines, Flowlines and Risers, Reservoir Fluid Dynamics, Professionalism, Training, and Education, Information Management and Systems, Separation and treating, Piping design and simulation, Flow in porous media, Communities of practice, Knowledge management
Copyright 2017, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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