Proceedings of SIMS 50: 50. International Conference of Scandinavian Simulation Society. Modeling of Energy Technology

This paper is a review of the use of dynamic simulation as an enabling tool for integrated operations and decision support in the upstream oil and gas industry. A framework and architecture for simulator-based decision support is described. This framework is then applied to a number of case studies: (1) advanced process control, (2) multiphase flow management for sub-sea production facilities, (3) situation awareness and crisis management in environmentally and politically sensitive areas and (4) validation and maintenance of process simulators. 1 Corresponding author: E-mail: david.cameron@kongsberg.com. NOMENCLATURE AIS: Automatic Identification System (for ships). IO: Integrated Operations. VTS: Vessel Traffic Services. INTRODUCTION Simulation is an established technology in both the oil and gas industry and the defence industries. Sophisticated dynamic models of processes and equipment are routinely used to provide users – operators, engineers, soldiers and sailors – with realistic training in the use and operation of complex, high-risk technical systems. This paper reviews how these existing simulation technologies are being reused and developed to support real-time, on-line decision making with distributed, collaborative teams. The discussion focuses on upstream oil and gas production. First, a description is given of the upstream oil and gas production domain and the challenges that can be met by using simulation. This is followed by a presentation of a framework and architecture for simulator-based decision support. This framework is then illustrated by considering four case studies: (1) using simulation to develop and speed implementation of advanced process control, (2) using dynamic simulation to manage the multiphase flow for remote sub-sea production facilities, (3) using process and defence simulators to train in situation awareness and crisis management in environmentally and politically sensitive areas and (4) using observed data to validate and maintain process simulators. CONTEXT Challenges in Oil and Gas Production Modern oil and gas production involves operations in ever more remote and difficult