The production of natural gas is a complex activity dependant on the many diverse relationships between reservoirs, topsides equipment and pipelines, which collectively or individually dictate deliverability. Viewing these key components in isolation can often lead to assessments that are too simplistic, resulting in inefficient operation and production losses. The interaction between such elements can be determined by using an integrated software system for the steady state simulation of gas and condensate assets, enabling the accurate assessment of present and future field output.
Production rates from post-plateau gas fields are often limited by compression system capacity, which itself is often a function of driver power and/or compressor head (pressure ratio). These are in turn affected by the speed of the driver and position of the compressor operating point within its performance envelope. Such parameters are dictated by the degree of reservoir depletion, well performance and pipeline resistances. Determining these interdependencies and their effect on production via fragmented modelling of individual elements is time consuming and can lead to present and future bottlenecks being misunderstood or lying undiscovered.
Developed and used by MSE (Consultants) Limited, GASMAN is an integrated software system that incorporates data from reservoirs, wells, gathering systems, pipelines, process facilities and compression systems so that exploration and production companies can evaluate new and existing fields. In addition, new satellites can be easily integrated with established assets to ensure that gas production is maximised.
During a project, removing the need for long iterations between separate subsurface and topsides simulations can save much time and money. GASMAN achieves this by integrating a detailed, multi-tank capability reservoir model with rigorous performance models of the topsides plant.
MSE (Consultants) Limited is based in Carshalton, Surrey, UK. www.mse.co.uk
