FEESA has combined experience in Flow Assurance and multiphase flow of more than thirty years covering a range of activities from fundamental research into transient multiphase flow, through to the application of novel methods to the design of oil and gas production systems.

More often than not, Flow Assurance is regarded as a purely technical subject area.  However from our experience, it is clear that the assessment of Flow Assurance risk in the upstream sector, has both technical and economic dimensions.  This is due to the close coupling between risk, revenue and cost which suggests that Flow Assurance design should not really be considered in isolation from the project economics.  Two examples that illustrate this relationship are provided here.

In addition,Flow Assurance also includes a number of specialised subject areas, such as thermophysical properties prediction, phase behaviour and corrosion/erosion, which are the domains of the Thermodynamicists and Production Chemists.

What is required in Flow Assurance design therefore, is an interdisciplinary approach that draws on the specialist skills of a number of groups, including Production Chemists, Flow Assurance, Pipelines and Cost Engineers, Economists and Risk Analysts.

To support and strengthen our expertise in Flow Assurance, we have close associations with a number of Companies, University Academics and industry recognised experts.  Most notably, we have good working relationships with the following:

Petroleum Venture Management Limited
Petroleum Venture Managementor PVM is recognised in the Energy Business as being a leading expert in the areas of Economics, Market Analysis and Business Consultancy.  Founded by Mr. Norman Smith (a former Director General of the OSO), PVM has developed a reputation among the key oil industry players for its novel approach to business problems and for providing excellent advice in difficult situations.  For more information, visit PVM's website at www.PVManagement.co.uk.

Infochem Computer Services Limited
Infochem Computer Services is internationally renowned for its understanding of complex Production Chemistry issues, such as thermophysical properties prediction and phase behaviour.  In particular, its physical properties prediction software MULTIFLASH, is regarded as being a market leader for its reliability, functionality and accuracy of prediction.  Infochem maintains an active R&D programme, addressing difficult problems such as wax / asphaltene deposition or hydrate formation kinetics.  For more information, please visit Infochem’s website at www.InfochemUK.com.