Automation in Upstream Production Chemicals: Learning from Downstream

Abstract

There is a growing demand for digital solutions to improve efficiency of oil & gas processing. The ultimate goal is digital platforms that connect multiple information sources, both software and hardware, to make better operational decisions and dramatically improve efficiency. Development of these holistic platforms is still relatively new, although various smaller applications of data digitization and equipment automation do exist. In this paper three field cases will be given to demonstrate the powerful benefits of data digitization and automation. Field Case 1 describes a data management tool that connects field data with SAP and LIMS. The customizable surveillance screens refresh with new laboratory data as soon as they are uploaded in LIMS, and show how water composition trends in relation to corrosion coupons help to optimize costs for corrosion inhibitor. Field Case 2 describes a completely autonomous injection skid to mitigate H2S in a well that requires periodic intervention for paraffin treatment. A scavenger is injected downhole at a dosage rate that is determined by real-time H2S analysers coupled with production flow data, and maintains a zero concentration of H2S at the well head. This novel solution improves personnel safety by enabling work-over crews to work under less hazardous conditions. Field Case 3 describes an automated system for a refinery cooling water system, where a single controller orchestrates five chemical injection pumps based on real-time input from multiple analysers and sensors. From these field cases it can be concluded that digitization and automation tools provide easy, cost- effective and powerful solutions to improve efficiency in oilfield operations. It enables field operators and managers to focus on value adding tasks. When the vast downstream experience of using sophisticated controllers, sensors and analysers is applied to upstream environments efficiency in oil & gas processing facilities can be further improved with lower human intervention.