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A proven and effective integrated asset modelling (IAM) approach has been adopted to bring multiple interdependent wells, pipelines networks, and process facilities models together into one single truly integrated asset model for the Greater Burgan Oilfield in Kuwait. The integrated wells-network facility models via the IAM platform also includes a water processing facility model which consists of 2 effluent water disposal plants; a crude oil export pipeline network and a water reinjection network model. This paper describes how a representative integrated asset model was developed for the Greater Burgan Oilfield through a model centric approach executed within an Integrated Operational Excellence (IOX) Program towards a Digital Transformation initiative by Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) South and East Kuwait (S&EK) Group together with Schlumberger. It also describes how this tool enables the asset teams to evaluate different operating scenarios to further enhance well performance and the overall asset productivity via re-routing well flow path to an appropriate header, identifying well workover opportunities, re-evaluating artificial lift design, adding future wells (for field development) and comprehensive understanding of well integrity and flow assurance studies. The assessment was done not only at a gathering center (GC) level but also asset-wide level where the complete system constraints, interactions and back pressure effects between more than 2000 different wells were fully accounted. The simulated results such as pressure gradient, temperature gradient and erosional velocity ratio gradient across the production networks are presented on the GIS map for easy opportunity identification. The availability of this fully integrated asset model with up-to date calibrated wells and network models and process models enables KOC engineers to better understand current well performance and production potential, identify any possible bottlenecks imposed by the large complex surface network and process facilities of Greater Burgan Oilfield. The scope of IAM enablement for the Greater Burgan was to develop an integrated wells-network-facility-crude export-water processing facility-water reinjection network model consisting of all the 14 gathering centers existing in S&EK asset, providing all the essential valuable inputs to business processes for better asset management, faster and more accurate decision-making and breaking the barrier of hydrocarbon flow path from sand face till the export point. In the future, this truly integrated asset model can be coupled to the Greater Burgan reservoir model for comprehensive field development studies.

Kuwait Oil Company started implementing digital oil field technology in 2009, with a vision to achieve integrated operations for measurement, modeling and control of Burgan oil field production. The project involved development of automated workflows connecting real-time data and integrated production models for analyzing asset performance and identifying production optimization opportunities. The workflow calculates variance in daily field production and correlates it to the corresponding well production change alerts attributed to key changes in well and facility parameters. Well health status is determined using key performance parameters and subsequently wells are categorized for planning remedial actions. The workflow further utilizes the integrated surface network model in an automated process to generate production optimization opportunities under various well and plant operating limits and the results are visualized through interactive dashboards in a state-of-the-art collaboration center for quick analysis. This paper discusses the application of smart workflows for analyzing asset performance and recommending production optimization actions in Burgan oil field. It describes how smart workflows are used to integrate real-time well and facility data with production models to assist the operator in faster diagnostics and improved decision making. The paper demonstrates through field examples how the application of an automated workflow using real-time data and integrated models has improved the conventional approach for asset performance analysis and optimization resulting in significant cost savings for the operator.

Kuwait Oil Company initiatives for ushering in a new era of digital transformation of its assets to intelligently and optimally manage the Oil and Gas fields were successfully realized with the completion of three pilot projects entitled Kuwait Integrated Digital Fields (KwIDF). This paper discusses major achievements of the Digital Oilfield technology implemented in Burgan KwIDF project and provides an insight on the challenges in operating it. The Burgan KwIDF pilot successfully transformed GC-1 production asset into a fully instrumented DOF comprising of digital instruments and infrastructure installed at well site and the production facility. Real-time production data is transmitted to a state of the art collaboration center that integrates data continuously with automated workflows for validation, modeling and tuning of well and facility models. Right time decision support information generated from smart visualization tools allow quick actions for production optimization, well and facility management in a collaborative work environment. There is persistent value realization from KwIDF technology implemented in Burgan field. It has generated substantial cost savings with faster response time in restoring production and reduction in non-productive time. Driven by the digital environment asset production has sustained at target as production gain opportunities are capitalized and losses compensated quickly. Over the period of time with experience in utilizing the DOF technology it has been observed that the technology sustainment is dependent on the technology providers to a large extent. The main components that require their continuous support are the digital instruments, proprietary software, hardware and related infrastructure. Technical expertise in each domain is necessary for ensuring continuous and smooth operations in the field, wellsite and collaboration centers. Development of an integrated team of domain experts is crucial for successfully managing the DOF operations. Change management initiatives for developing an in house user champion team is mandatory for ensuring sustainment. The important lessons learned and solutions are discussed in detail.