Publications

Large-scale infill well development projects next to the end of the concession transition period cause constraints along the production pipeline up to the gathering stations, impeding the flow of oil production from the pipeline segment experiencing the bottleneck. The current conditions in the production pipes are overcapacity, as indicated by a velocity of 19 ft/sec, which is greater than the erosional velocity threshold of 13 ft/sec, and an increased pressure drop of 2 psi/100 ft, which has the potential to increase the risk of pipe leaks and bursts.

According to the analysis, the main root of the problem is the lack of tools and methodology for detecting bottleneck segments, which still use individual and/or separate pipe segment approaches; therefore, determining the paths and pipe networks that require bottleneck resolutions is time-consuming. Extensive new well development demands a robust analytical process with advanced tools and methodology to support quick decision-making in executing the resolutions. Three alternatives to the bottleneck resolution are: 1) new pipe replacement with a larger dimension; 2) shutting off the high water cut wells; and 3) double-pipe installation on the bottleneck segment. The selected solution is to apply double-pipe installation to resolve the bottleneck segment within the immediate time of execution with lower capital and efforts to avoid loss of production opportunity (LPO).

Some benefits can be claimed, including an increased production fluid capacity to gathering stations by 20% or equals to 31 BOPD, with no loss of production opportunity (zero incident), cost optimization by 50% capital avoidance and an increase in operator confidence to operate the production pipeline safely. These advanced tools and methodologies have a significant potential for replication in other oil fields, and field selection can be based on the need to support large-scale new well development projects as well as the identification of capacity constraints in production pipelines.