Operator training and operator support using multiphase pipeline models and dynamic process simulation: Sub-sea production and on-shore processing

Abstract Recent advances in sub-sea oil production technology have changed the way off shore oil fields are developed. Many new field developments use sub-sea production facilities and pipe a multiphase mixture of gas, oil and water back to an existing platform or onshore facilities for separation and processing. These pipelines can be very long (up to 100km long) and complex—with complicated branching and crossovers. Dynamic features of multiphase flow, such as slugging, can cause disturbances in the processing system. Operators need help in handling these. Model-based estimates of pressure, holdup and flow along the pipeline are thus needed. An integrated system for operator support and operator training is being delivered for a large sub-sea gas field in the Middle East. It builds upon a dynamic process simulator (D-SPICE) and a multiphase flow simulator, (OLGA 2000). The simulator incorporates methods for simulating multiphase flow in closed-loop networks and tracking of hydrate inhibitors. The system is tuned to measured process performance. The system also supports predictive simulation facilities. The paper provides an, industrial case study of computer-aided process engineering in a technically challenging environment. Novel methods for multiphase modelling in closed loops, real-time model system design and model tuning are presented.