Integration of Prudhoe Bay Surface Pipeline Network and Full Field Reservoir Models

An integrated reservoir, well tubing string, and surface pipeline network model of the Prudhoe Bay oil field has been constructed. The integrated model incorporates a new procedure for the simultaneous solution of the reservoir and surface pipeline network flow equations. It also includes an optirnization technique to allocate well production rates. As a result of the effectiveness of the developed procedures, the new technology for integrated reservoir and surface facility modeling has been successfully applied to a facility optimization study of the giant Prudhoe Bay oil field.