Abstract

This paper examines the development and application of an Integrated Production System Modelling (IPSM) approach to identify bottlenecks and optimize production in an oil-producing asset in the Niger Delta. IPSM integrates reservoir, well, and surface network models using software tools like MBAL, PROSPER, and GAP. Optimization results demonstrate a 50% reduction in separator and surge vessel pressures of 40, 116, and 7.25 psig. Oil, gas, and water production increased by 0.65, 0.14, and 0.03% respectively, suggesting that changing the separator pressure almost constantly impacts production. Choke optimization strategies yielded a 2.04% increase in oil production, while gas and water production decreased by 2.97 and 3.67%, respectively. This suggests that optimizing choke settings can enhance oil recovery. Well, re-routing optimization kept hydrocarbon production near base levels of 11,213 stb/day, 11,324 stb/day, and 21.01 MMscf/day. This indicates additional routing strategies and that the number of separators can be reduced, potentially lowering operational and energy costs. Overall, a well-calibrated IPSM model effectively optimises oil field production. Ongoing monitoring and strategy reassessment are essential for sustaining production efficiency in the Niger Delta field.

Key words: Integrated Production System Modelling (IPSM), oil production, well re-routing, separator pressure, choke optimization.