The Gazelle field is located offshore Kuwait in Iranian waters very close to Shat Al Arab. The field discovered with the initial exploration well in 1990. Oil production is via a steel piled jacket platform, and the export system is via FSO to a shuttle tanker. After a number of years of production, the oil rates have come off plateau with increasing amount of water cut. Field sensitivities require a new development of the Gazelle field.
According to the project brief, three field developments options were proposed such as:
• Refurbishment and upgrade of present system
• Replacement of the oil export via the FSO and
• Complete system replacement
The approach used to evaluate and recommend the most suitable development concept was based on
Economics (technical costs)
Flexibility (project implementation) and
Abandonment strategies
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Key characteristics of Gazelle Field
2.1 Field description
2.2 Gazelle field information
3. Development considerations
3.1 System upgrade
3.2 Assumptions
3.3 Separation process
3.4 Flow scheme
3.5 Platform replacement (pipeline)
3.6 Complete system replacement
4. Flow Assurance
5. Economic analysis
5.1 OPEX
5.2 CAPEX
5.3 Cost option one
5.4 Cost option two
5.5 Cost option three
6. Development choice
6.1 Risk assessment
7. Development analysis
7.1 Comparisons
7.2 Technical risk
7.3 Advantages
7.4 Disadvantages
8. Decommissioning plan
8.1 Decommissioning technology
8.2 Decommissioning process
8.3 Key parameters
Project Goals and Scope
The primary objective of this report is to evaluate and recommend the most suitable development strategy for the maturing Gazelle field, which is currently experiencing declining production rates and increased water cut. The research focuses on balancing technical costs, operational flexibility, and long-term abandonment strategies to ensure efficient field life extension.
- Technical evaluation of three primary field development scenarios.
- Comprehensive economic analysis using per-barrel cost methodologies.
- Assessment of flow assurance challenges, specifically regarding hydrate, scale, and sand management.
- Comparison of various platform structural concepts including jack-ups, TLP, and fixed piled structures.
- Development of a structured decommissioning plan in alignment with regional protocols.
Excerpt from the Book
4. Flow Assurance
The major concern of flow assurance likely encountered in the proposed schemes is the high increase in water cut. As the reservoir depletes and water breaks through, several problems such as, corrosion, scale tendency, hydrates and sand production impairs the normal operation of the processing system.
Increased water cut in Gazelle field provides stability for crude oil emulsions. Water oil emulsion leads to rapid agglomeration of hydrate formation in flowlines [9]. Shutdown and restart conditions at Gazelle will occur during FSU refurbish and separation system upgrade; therefore, there is a window for hydrate formation during transient operations (i.e. shutdown and restart conditions due to low temperatures).
The injection system oftentimes is a combination of formation-produced water and seawater, the incompatible mixing of both waters yields precipitation and scaling tendency of scale salts and solids [2]. Scales form precipitates when pressure and temperatures decreases during production. The noticed effects are in clogged flowlines, forming oily sludge and forming emulsions difficult to break [10].
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of the Gazelle field location, history, and the necessity for new development options due to declining production.
2. Key characteristics of Gazelle Field: This section details the geological and technical specifications of the reservoirs and the current infrastructure limitations.
3. Development considerations: This chapter explores three proposed technical development pathways, ranging from system upgrades to full structural replacements.
4. Flow Assurance: The chapter addresses the operational risks associated with water cut, including hydrate formation, corrosion, and scale management.
5. Economic analysis: This section details the methodology used to calculate per-barrel costs and provides a financial breakdown of the proposed development options.
6. Development choice: This chapter evaluates various structural concepts to determine the most viable technical and economic solution for the field.
7. Development analysis: The section provides a critical comparison of the proposed alternatives, focusing on schedule flexibility, risks, and technical advantages.
8. Decommissioning plan: This chapter outlines the required technologies and processes for the eventual removal of the offshore facilities according to regional protocols.
Keywords
Gazelle Field, Field Development, Water Cut, Flow Assurance, CAPEX, OPEX, Jack-up Platform, Hydrate Formation, Separation Process, Petroleum Engineering, Reservoir Management, Decommissioning, Offshore Infrastructure, Economic Analysis, Crude Oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core purpose of this development report?
The report serves to evaluate and recommend a cost-effective development strategy for the Gazelle field to mitigate production decline and rising water cut levels.
What are the primary technical focus areas?
The study focuses on system upgrades, platform structural alternatives, flow assurance management, and long-term economic viability.
What is the central research question?
The research seeks to identify which development concept offers the best balance of technical recovery, project flexibility, and cost efficiency.
Which scientific methods are utilized for the analysis?
The analysis employs economic sensitivity modeling using per-barrel cost calculations and technical screening based on industry benchmarks and operational risk assessments.
What does the main body of the document cover?
The main body examines three specific development scenarios: system refurbishment, pipeline-based replacement, and complete system replacement with new infrastructure.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Gazelle Field, flow assurance, CAPEX, OPEX, jack-up platforms, and field development strategies.
Why is a jack-up platform recommended for the Gazelle field?
It is recommended due to its lower cost, schedule efficiency, and the ability to provide direct access for well workovers in the shallow water depth of the field.
What role does the "water cut" play in this study?
High water cut is the primary driver for the study, as it necessitates changes in separation processes and flow assurance strategies to prevent emulsions and hydrate formation.
What are the decommissioning requirements for this field?
Decommissioning must follow the Kuwait protocol for the Persian Gulf, necessitating the removal of topside structures and proper abandonment of wells.
- Quote paper
- Ataliba Miguel (Author), 2014, Gazelle Field Development, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/280478
