Life of Field Simulation

The term ‘Life of Field Simulation’ refers to simulations of oil and gas production systems through field life and therefore introduces a time dimension. A Life of Field (LOF) model usually comprises a reservoir coupled to wells and a surface network, although the reservoir model can take a number of different forms. Prototype LOF simulators (incorporating detailed thermal-hydraulic models) were first introduced towards the end of the 1990s and after an initially slow uptake, are now becoming a standard approach for modelling oil and gas systems.

The principal hurdle that LOF simulation had to overcome before it became generally accepted, arises because it is an interdisciplinary approach and requires input from a number of specialists. In particular, information is required from the following:

• Reservoir Engineers
• Well Technologists
• Subsea/Pipelines Engineers
• Facilities/Process Engineers

In addition, these disciplines not only have to provide information, they must also ‘buy-in’ to the approach.

However even in the face of these difficulties, LOF simulation is such a powerful technique for investigating the deliverability and behaviour of production systems, it was almost inevitable that it would eventually become the preferred approach. For examples of where FEESA has used LOF techniques to improve the design and understanding of production systems, please refer to the page on Case Studies.

Maximus has been designed with LOF simulation in mind and is therefore very efficient at performing simulations of this type. Of particular note is the speed of execution achieved by Maximus which is 10-100 times faster than other available software. For more details, please see the following examples:

Example 1 – Natural Depletion in a Three Well Development

Example 2 – Constrained Depletion in a Three Well Development

Example 3 – LOF Simulation of a Multi-Reservoir Development