In the past, reservoir, well and surface facilities were optimised as individual components. Integrated Production Modelling (IPM) has been developed to dynamically link these three parts of the production system into one interactive total production system modelling and optimisation tool.

IPM links a combination of analytical models:

• Reservoir Material Balance and/or Decline Analysis
  
• Wellbore completion Efficiency, Vertical Flow or Artificial Lift Performance; and
  
• Process, Facility, and Pipeline Performance and Constraints.
  

External links can be made to other more sophisticated simulators, as appropriate:

The process begins with an assessment of the project scope, deliverables, and time/resource requirements. Constraints and solution options are then identified.

Field and reservoir data can be used to validate the system model, or alternately, simulated data can be utilized to define exploration models. Data uncertainty is tested through sensitivity analysis.

IPM results can be easily imported into (compatible) numerical reservoir simulators and/or the IPM can be tuned to the simulator output, through links created by RPS Energy personnel. This is a major step toward real-time reservoir management (i.e. ability to gather process and analyse the impact of all available field data on the entire system).

Once an IPM model has been constructed and validated, it is ready to be used both as a predictive and as a surveillance tool and can be constructed to honour a variety of system constraints and contract scenarios.

New field development studies can also be accomplished with IPM, based on data available and reasonable assumptions. If appropriate, forecasts for various options may be compared using a risk-based economic spreadsheet. This type of analysis is termed RIPM (see SPE 57473).

RPS Energy Processes

IPM analysis has resulted in:

• Increased field productivity;
  
• Increased recovery;
  
• Cost savings;
  
• Reduced technical and economic risks.
  

The IPM process improves decision-making over the life of the asset. It provides a method of setting strategic direction and deploying of technical resources with accurate predictions, coupled with the quantification and impact of uncertainty.

RPS Energy can provide experienced personnel to set up, run and maintain IPM models for all sizes of assets at any stage of development. This work can be done independently or in close co-operation with the operator’s own staff.

The deliverable will be a tool to optimise field-wide performance and to facilitate the periodic review of drilling, workover, and facilities upgrade opportunities. RPS Energy will develop optimisation recommendations to the operator; and can provide engineering assistance in implementing these recommendations.

Should you require assistance with your IPM Modelling, please contact:

Shona Mackenzie 403.265.7226 mackenzies@rpsgroup.com