CHALLENGE

Optimize network flow to realize

reservoir production potential

Increase network capacity

Overcome flow assurance
issues and bottlenecks
SOLUTION

Gather varied network data

Create model using PIPESIM*
simulator and undertake
history matching

Simulate and test different
flow assurance scenarios
RESULTS
New PIPESIM network model
allows AMAPETCO to

run multiple scenarios to
select optimum pipeline design

mitigate and plan for optimum
flow assurance

increase network capacity to
better realize production potential

reduce capital and operating
expenditure.
The new PIPESIM network
model has helped us mitigate flow
assurance issues, while increasing
our production system capacity.
Improved engineering and planning
is now possible, and we have
already made financial savings
through optimal design.
Abdel Fattah Fayad
Reservoir Department Head
AMAPETCO
The Amal Petro Company (AMAPETCO) planned to optimize its network flow to overcome
a number of issues that were preventing it from producing its reservoirs to full potential.
Its existing capacity was challenged by varied reservoir pressures, while flow assurance
was often compromised by hydrate, slug, erosion, and bottleneck problems. AMPAPETCO
wanted to define an ideal network and facility design, and isolate associated flow
assurance issues.
AMAPETCO discussed the creation of a new network model with Schlumberger to
help in this process. It needed to include all wells, risers, subsea pipelines, and elbows,
as well as reflect the subsea environmentaccounting for temperature gradients
and water velocities.
Building the model
The first task was to gather data from all areas of the network, including flowlines and
riser properties, PVT data, and observed and wells data. This information was then used
to create a comprehensive network model in the PIPESIM steady state multiphase simulator.
History matching was then undertaken, and applicable horizontal and vertical flow correlations
were evaluated. The best combinations were then selected to show the smallest difference
between simulated and actual pressure measurements at the surface. The model was then
fine tuned by adjusting holdup and friction factors to improve match accuracy. Flow correlation
was validated at different time steps.
To test various flow situations, simulation scenarios were then run. Just-gas, just-oil,
and gas-and-oil flow scenarios were simulated with a number of different flow assurance
simulation variations, including hydrates, slugs, erosion, and bottlenecks.
CASE STUDY
Flow Assurance
Network model with platforms, facilities, and low- and high-pressure flowlines.
AMAPETCO Optimizes Subsea Flow Assurance
with PIPESIM Modeling
Multiphase flow simulations drive new network design and increased
capacity for greater production
software.slb.com/pipesim
*Mark of Schlumberger
Other company, product, and service names
are the properties of their respective owners.
Copyright 2013 Schlumberger. All rights reserved. 13-IS-0466
CASE STUDY: Multiphase flow simulations drive new network design and increased capacity
Optimized flowoptimal production
The new history-matched PIPESIM network model allows AMAPETCO to run multiple
flow assurance scenarios to select an optimal pipeline design, as well as increase its
network capacity to better realize the production potential of its multiple reservoirs.
In addition, efficient engineering and design enabled by the new system saves capital
and operating expenditure through a reduction in pipe costs and ideal coating type,
thickness, and application selections.
Scenario results showing phase envelope with main flowline conditions.
Erosion scenario results in a 16 km pipeline, in which the maximum erosional velocity ratio is 0.75.
Hydrates
Erosion
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Temperature (C)
Total Distance (km)
PIPESIM Project
AMAPETCO Flow Assurance