Title : Innovation on drilling pad and surface facilities selection to unlock potential for oilfield development in populated area
Abstract:
Objective: The strategies and requirements of surface facilities development for sour oilfield development in populated area varies based on their reservoir fluid properties, well potentials and HSE policies. This paper presents a study of planning and execution strategies for developing field surface facilities for sour oil production in proximity to populated areas. Additionally, the paper aims to address various HSE-related aspects, with a specific focus on safety as a critical factor influencing development strategy, investment size, and operational excellence.
Methodology: A Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) was conducted to quantify the risks associated with field development, particularly those stemming from H2S, throughout the asset's lifecycle. The surface facilities design selection process follows four stages of Front-End Loading (FEL) with rigorous risk and safety evaluations at each phase, starting from initiation, business case, study, design basis scoping paper, project proposal, and detailed design. Each phase will be evaluated and optimized accordingly with the approach of value engineering.
Result: The Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) was successfully completed under specific Rupture Exposure Radii (RER). The QRA findings led to several recommendations for the design of facilities and production philosophy to ensure the wells are produced safely. Through the value engineering process, various enhancement technologies were identified, including the implementation of drilling pads, introduction of appropriate multiphase pumps, utilization of unmanned and control operations, and the adoption of an Enclosed Ground Flare (EGF) System to mitigate development-associated risks.
Novelty: The development of surface facilities in a populated area poses significant challenges. The workflow proposed in this study effectively unlocks the field's potential despite the complex location.
