Abstract
The present crude gathering network assessment provides a window of opportunity for the installation of liquid transportation facilities in a field whose production is expected to have a twofold increase over the next two years. The study comprises the identification of critical instantaneous peak flow in the system when multiple reciprocating pumps operate simultaneously. Pumping system evaluation results reveal an appreciable difference between the pumps’ nominal and actual capacity. Actual volumetric efficiencies of the evaluated system lay below the characteristic figures of reciprocating pumps. In addition to the previously described, clear volumetric displacement capacity sensitivity was encountered when pressure fluctuations in the system does not exceed 50 psi. The steady-state simulation of future scenarios that include production growth, suggest that the pressure range within the pipeline system will exceed both the maximum discharge pressure of the pumping system and the allowable stresses of the piping network in place. Further network topology evaluation lead to the identification of activity hubs and flow bottlenecks; flow restrictions were analyzed to be reversed by increasing the flowing area in the main network branch.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 2013 |
| Event | Heavy Oil Latin American Conference & Exhibition - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Duration: 24 Sept 2013 → 26 Sept 2013 https://globalpetroleumshow.com/ |
Conference
| Conference | Heavy Oil Latin American Conference & Exhibition |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Mexico |
| City | Puerto Vallarta |
| Period | 24/09/13 → 26/09/13 |
| Internet address |