Energy Saving Challenges and Opportunities in Upstream Operations using Value Methodology

The objective of this paper is to investigate and analyze energy saving and process optimization opportunities in upstream surface facilities, from downhole all the way to the gas-oil separation plants (GOSPs), using value Methodology. Function analysis was used to identify those functions that can be reduced, eliminated, or synergized, to minimize GOSP operating and maintenance cost. In this paper, various energy saving and process optimization opportunities in GOSPs were brainstormed, analyzed, shortlisted, simulated, and validated using actual plant data. Process simulation using Hysys was used to model and verify the feasibility of different process optimization opportunities in GOSPs. A 300 MBD production facility was used to benchmark the Hysys simulation model, and to verify the feasibility of these promising energy saving opportunities. All of the successful opportunities were selected, based on their minimum OPEX and CAPEX, using value engineering methodology.