1-Day Training Course

13 September 2010

Flow Assurance in Deepwater

Held in conjunction with SPE ATW: Deepwater Development: Managing Risks and Uncertainties

Prepared by Abul Jamaluddin, Schlumberger Advisor, Schlumberger Technology Hub, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

In this training course, I intend to introduce deepwater and the associated flow assurance challenges.  I will also introduce and classify elements of flow assurance influencing the deepwater subsea production architecture, design, instrumentation, and operation. I also intend to elaborate the importance of collecting representative reservoir fluid samples, fluids PVT and solids characterization methodologies, thermodynamics & fluid flow modeling and their interpretation techniques. Also present application of systematic workflow processes with practical exercises and show various field management approaches from various areas around the world. Although these elements are essential for field development planning in challenging deepwater environments, they are equally applicable to onshore and shallow-water operations.

Introduction & Classification

• Introduction to Deepwater and Flow Assurance Challenges
• Introduction to Flow Assurance Elements
• Fluids, organics (asphaltene, wax hydrate) & inorganics (scales) solids
• Heavy oil, emulsion, erosion, corrosion, foam, soaps, sands & mercury
• Fluid-flow & heat-transfer

Fluid Sampling, Fluids PVT & Solids Characterization

• Sampling methodologies
• Fluid PVT characterization methodologies
• Solids characterization methodologies

 

1. Thermodynamic, Fluid Flow & Heat Transfer Modeling

• Concept of thermodynamic modeling
• Concept of steady-state modeling
• Concept of transient-state modeling
• Concept of integrated asset modeling
• Field examples of flow assurance projects
  • Asphaltene sensitivity with commingle flow
  • Waxy crude production management in deepwater subsea system
  • Scaling tendencies in deepwater gas production
  • Liquid loading & slug management

 

1. Flow Assurance Diagnostics and Production Monitoring

• Flow Assurance Diagnostics
  • Well testing and detecting hydrate using Multi-Phase Flow Meters (MPFM)
  • Flow hindrance detection using Distributed Temperature Sensors (DTS)

 

1. Field Management Approaches (Preventive & Remedial Measures)

• Liquid/slug management
• Asphaltene, wax & hydrate management
• Emulsion, scale, & sand management

About the instructor

Dr. Abul Jamaluddin is currently Production Domain Advisor specialising in fluids and flow assurance at Schlumberger’s Deepwater Technology Hub in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He has over 25 years of industry experience. Before joining Schlumberger in 1998, he worked in various positions both at Noranda Technology and Hycal Energy Research Laboratories in Canada. He is an active SPE member having served on various committees, including those of ATWs, Forum Series and Distinguished Lecturer Selection Committee. He also served as an SPE distinguished lecturer during 2004–2005. He holds nine patents and has co-authored over 80 papers, three of which received the best paper awards. Dr. Jamaluddin holds MSc and PhD degrees from the University of Calgary.