Practical Flow Assurance: Strategies for Effective System Design and Optimization

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Disciplines: Production and Operations | Projects, Facilities, and Construction

Course Description

This intensive two-day course provides a comprehensive understanding of flow assurance principles, challenges, and solutions. Participants will learn about advanced technologies, industry-proven workflows, and practical strategies for identifying, characterizing, and managing key flow impediments such as slugging, hydrate formation, and solid deposition.

Through in-depth case studies from diverse global operations, attendees will gain practical insights towards addressing complex flow assurance challenges.

Course Outline:

Day One: Fluid Sampling, Lab Analysis, and Production Chemistry

• Introduction to Flow Assurance Challenges: an overview of key flow assurance impediments (e.g., slugging, organic/inorganic solids deposition, hydrates). Present case studies from challenging production environments (e.g., deepwater, arctic, and HPHT conditions).
• Fluid Sampling and PVT Characterization: Review technologies for capturing representative fluid samples in the field. Discuss best practices for Pressure-Volume-Temperature (PVT) characterization and analysis of petroleum fluids.
• Production Chemistry: Introduction to the formation and impact of production-related impediments (asphaltenes, waxes, hydrates, emulsions, and scales). Current measurement and modeling techniques to predict and manage these issues. Examples of chemical inhibition strategies for mitigating organic and inorganic deposition.

Day Two: Fluid Flow, Heat Transfer, and System Design

• Multiphase Flow Modeling & Heat Transfer Essentials: Key principles of multiphase flow and heat transfer in pipeline systems. Impact of heat loss and insulation strategies on flow behavior and system performance.
• Designing for Flow Assurance: Systematic design approaches to prevent solids formation (hydrate management, scale control). Design considerations for avoiding operational risks and optimizing production.
• Managing Flow Instabilities and Integrity Issues: Liquid handling strategies for dealing with slugging and flow surges, particularly in condensate and wet gas systems. Pipeline integrity management (erosion, corrosion risks, and mitigation strategies).
• Life-of-Field Flow Simulation: Application of flow simulation tools to optimize system performance throughout the field lifecycle. Case studies on how flow assurance simulation integrates with long-term operational strategies.

Learning Level

Intermediate to Advanced

Course Length

2 Days

Why Attend

Uninterrupted fluid flow from the reservoir to the refinery is a critical factor in successful field development. By accurately characterizing and understanding the complex interplay between flow dynamics and production chemistry within wellbores and flowlines, engineers can make informed decisions that optimize production and minimize unnecessary investments.

This deeper understanding allows for:

• Optimized Production: Maximizing recovery and production rates.
• Reduced Downtime: Preventing production interruptions caused by issues like hydrate formation or wax deposition.
• Improved Efficiency: Streamlining operations through informed decisions on production strategies and equipment selection.
• Enhanced Environmental Performance: Mitigating environmental impact by adopting more sustainable production practices.

In summary, a comprehensive understanding of fluid properties and flow behavior is essential for modern oil and gas operations. By leveraging advanced technologies and methodologies, engineers can ensure efficient and sustainable production, ultimately driving the success of field development projects.

Who Attends

This course is designed for professionals in the petroleum industry, including engineers, chemists, and managers. It will equip participants with a solid understanding of the risks, challenges, and solutions associated with ensuring smooth, uninterrupted hydrocarbon flow, from the upstream to the downstream segments.

Special Requirements

A basic understanding of petroleum production engineering, chemistry, and project management.

CEUs

1.6 CEU or 16 PDHs will be earned for attending this 2-day course

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be received no later than 14 days prior to the course start date. Cancellations made after the 14-day window will not be refunded. Refunds will not be given due to no show situations.

Training sessions attached to SPE conferences and workshops follow the cancellation policies stated on the event information page. Please check that page for specific cancellation information.

SPE reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule courses at will. Notification of changes will be made as quickly as possible; please keep this in mind when arranging travel, as SPE is not responsible for any fees charged for cancelling or changing travel arrangements.

We reserve the right to substitute course instructors as necessary.

Instructors

Other courses by these instructors