Optimized Reservoir Management With Mixed Linear Programming

Abstract

The Ekofisk field and surrounding Phillips Norway Group fields, also referred to as the greater Ekofisk area fields, are in the southern part of the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. Oil and gas separation and transportation facilities are centrally located on the Ekofisk complex at Ekofisk field. The Ekofisk 2 redevelopment project is designed to replace the oil-/gas-production and -processing capabilities of the existing Ekofisk complex. This requirement grew out of the high operating and maintenance expenses associated with the existing facilities. Other factors of significance were the effects of seafloor subsidence and changing safety regulations. A significant aspect of the Ekofisk field has been reservoir compaction that has resulted in seabed subsidence over the areal extent of the reservoir. After 25 years of production, the cumulative subsidence in the center of the field is more than 21 ft. The redevelopment project addresses the economic, maintenance, and safety factors and maintains the economic viability of Ekofisk and surrounding fields.