Digitalization of a Giant Field – The Rumaila Story

Abstract

Objectives/Scope The Rumaila Operating Organisation (ROO) is a consortium made up of BP, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and the Basra Oil Company (BOC) formed to manage the rehabilitation and expansion of the Rumaila super giant oil field, considered the third largest in the world. The Digital Oilfield (DOF) plays an important role in the rehabilitation process. This paper describes the major challenges, solutions and benefits over 5 years of implementation. Methods, Procedures, Process The development of the DOF solution involved several components: the installation and connection of sensors; a data management platform for both real-time and non-real time data; the development of engineering models and workflows; an Exception-Based Surveillance engine (EBS) and a user interface integrating all this data. This paper details how an EBS process is handled for a field of this magnitude, the use of state-of-the-art algorithms for identification of well flow conditions, deployment of advanced analytics for surveillance and optimization of natural flow and ESP wells. This paper also details how usability testing and advanced graphic design practices were used to guarantee maximum adoption of the new toolkit. Results, Observations, Conclusions The Rumaila case is ideal for evaluating the added value of digitalization of oilfields since the project developed from a zero base to a fully digital system in a matter of a few years. The main success stories include: the extension of the lifetime of the ESPs; reduction in well downtime; significant time savings for repetitive tasks; improved reservoir management accuracy; the ability to more readily meet production targets; facility management and optimization; and improvement in oil quality. The data and visualization usage figures which are continuously monitored show a year-on-year growing user base. This demonstrated that maintaining focus on continuous development and evolution, and providing top class support locally and from specialist vendors, increases user adoption. As a result, the program has gained support at all levels in the organization, making DOF an integral part of the field operation providing high efficiency and standards of excellence. Novel/Additive Information Due to the initial lack of any digitalization in the field, this project can be considered a blueprint for modernization of fields in challenging environments, where very little digital infrastructure is initially available. This project has proven that DOF implementation can be very successful despite many localized challenges, and that a continuous focus on system evolution guarantees a growing user base year after year.