Congestion analysis tool

Abstract

A congestion analysis tool (1) for facility planning of oil and gas reservoirs, comprising a grid selection module (10) for defining a region of interest and a sub-region thereof, a congestion calculation module (20) and a scene module (30); the congestion calculation module calculates congestion factors of a predefined region of interest and sub-regions thereof based on spatial data of facility characteristics of an oil and gas reservoir. The scene module enables hypothetical scene analysis to be performed to improve space management.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to analysis and planning tools for optimization and automated facility planning of oil and gas reservoirs. In particular, the present invention relates to tools for automated calculation, presentation and optimization of congestion in oil and gas field operations. Background Art

[0002] For the use of oil and gas reservoirs (such as natural oil or natural gas reservoirs), various technical facilities are required during the various production stages. First, drilling facilities and roads are required to reach the oil and gas reservoirs. Then, production facilities are used to extract oil and gas from the reservoirs and to transport the products to further processing facilities.

[0003] Such facilities, in particular roads, pipelines or overhead lines (OHL), require and take up space and may prevent the construction of other facilities. Therefore, space is limited and production planning must take into account the space requirements of any kind of facilities that cause congestion in a particular area.

[0004] Congestion means the complete occupation of space in a particular Area of ​​Interest (AOI). More land use will lead to higher congestion, which means less free space for future utilization. Therefore, the accessibility and space availability constraints of the AOI need to be considered and the best route network such as pipelines, overhead lines (OHL), roads, etc. needs to be evaluated. Basically, congestion can be measured as a factor of how easy it is to travel from one AOI to another.

[0005] Currently, the spatial demand impact and congestion of various development options are assessed only through manual analysis via Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Such manual analysis is highly dependent on the person assessing it. Furthermore, manual assessments are time-consuming, abstract, and not fully visible or understandable to stakeholders. Moreover, they are difficult to support, especially when the options that contribute the least to the increase in regional congestion are the ones with higher initial investments. Furthermore, the true impact of the routes chosen for facilities like pipelines, overhead lines or roads on the accessibility of the affected areas remains unknown.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for congestion planning tools that support optimal occupancy management to plan the best locations for future facilities and to design routes for future networks, in particular pipelines, overhead lines (OHL), roads, etc. Summary of the invention

[0007] The above mentioned problem is solved by a congestion analysis tool for facility planning of oil and gas reservoirs according to claim 1 .

[0008] Preferably, the above-mentioned problem is solved by a congestion analysis tool for facility planning of oil and gas reservoirs, which tool includes a grid selection module, a congestion module and a scenario module. The grid selection module is used to define the area of ​​interest and its sub-areas, the congestion module calculates the congestion factor of the predefined area of ​​interest and its sub-areas based on the spatial data of facility characteristics, and the scenario module enables the performance of hypothetical scenario analysis to improve space management.

[0009] The tool integrates a combination of many automated processes that ensure accurate data collection, processing, implementation of specific business rules and calculation of congestion factors, which will help in better decision making and informed decision making in spatial management of facility planning in oil and gas reservoirs.

[0010] The Congestion Factor Tool is a tool that automatically calculates and visualizes the amount of occupied space in a defined area to assist in the planning and analysis phases. The calculation is area-based, i.e., a ratio calculated based on the free space available in the grid (not occupied by any physical infrastructure). The tool preferably includes a full set of automated processes to ensure that the correct data and strategies are implemented before calculating the congestion factor. These principles and modules are combined to complete the tool. The Congestion Factor Tool is able to calculate congestion in an Area of ​​Interest (AOI). The Congestion Factor Tool enables the user to understand the actual congestion situation and perform what-if scenario analysis, allowing for optimization and automation of facility planning for oil and gas reservoirs.

[0011] Using the grid selection module, the user can select the AOI and thereby define sub-areas of the AOI that are evaluated separately in terms of congestion. The user can select a grid area of ​​interest for which he / she is interested in calculating congestion, such as a group of wells and associated processing stations.

[0012] The congestion calculation module reads all features, i.e., infrastructure, within the AOI based on within a grid and based on pre-processing parameters. The congestion calculation module then assigns spatial data (such as 2D or 3D shape, footprint, size or dimensions) to all features within the area of ​​interest to form or contribute to a congestion model of the AOI. The congestion calculation module then preferably calculates a congestion factor for each sub-area or grid tile of the AOI. The calculation is based on the generated congestion model. In particular, the congestion calculation module will determine the congestion factor by calculating how much free area is available within the grid. The congestion factor will be stored as a property of the grid graphic as a result. Also based on the congestion factor, a default symbology (e.g., a specific color based on the congestion factor) will be applied to the graphic for a visual representation of congestion.

[0013] The scenario module enables the performance of what-if scenario analysis to improve the spatial management of oil and gas reservoirs. For example, the user can add additional infrastructure such as a new access road, a proposed well, a platform or even a pipeline. The congestion analysis tool then recalculates the congestion factor and provides the end user with an indication of the various scenarios. The scenario module provides the end user with the information needed to make informed decisions. The scenario module quantitatively supports occupancy space management decisions from a congestion perspective by providing different location and routing suggestions and comparing them. It also improves the efficiency of the analysis because typically new projects focus on reducing costs and the nearest location is usually the preferred location. However, this nearest location may not be the most convenient location in terms of congestion or business continuity and other options that need to be considered. In order to achieve optimal occupancy space management, the congestion analysis tool can be used to select the best location for future facilities and the route of future networks (pipelines, overhead lines (OHL), roads, etc.) because it provides congestion factors in a quantifiable way.

[0014] Preferably, the congestion analysis tool further comprises a data collection module for collecting source data for congestion analysis. The data collection module can be used to collect source data (such as CAD drawings and survey data), but data from other sources can also be collected for analysis.

[0015] Preferably, the congestion analysis tool also includes a QC module that performs automated quality control on the source data. Automated quality control algorithms ensure compliance with data standards and specifications. These standards are various, such as valid coordinates, valid geometry (normal topology rules, such as no broken features for pipes), connection factors (e.g., pipes must start at some predefined features and end at predefined features), etc. These standards are documented and collected after extensive research within the organization.

[0016] Preferably, the congestion analysis tool also includes an ETL module that performs automated conversion and transformation of data. This ensures that data from different sources can be used together for congestion analysis. The converted and transformed data can be stored in a common company database and / or in various business databases.

[0017] Preferably, the congestion analysis tool also includes an HSE module that performs automated data preparation based on predefined health and safety environment (HSE) principles. The HSE module can analyze the data after being processed by the ETL module, and can add geometric buffers around features based on the necessary safety distance around specific features. Therefore, the HSE module creates result data based on HSE principles.

[0018] Preferably, the congestion analysis tool further comprises a business rule module, which comprises a merging algorithm for providing a unified polygon based on the spatial data of the features within the AOI. The business rule module may preferably perform a merging algorithm on the buffered geometric feature data processed by the HSE module to create a unified polygon.

[0019] Using these modules, the Congestion Analysis tool reads all the features available in the database after the automated ETL and quality control processes are completed. Using spatial tools, the features are buffered in the database based on predefined parameters specific to the industry. For example, based on the HSE policy implemented within the organization, all gas pipelines should have a 2-meter channel on each side for safety reasons. This means that a 2-meter geometric buffer must be added to all gas pipelines. The resulting congestion elements of the feature are taken into account when subsequently creating the unified polygon.

[0020] When forming a unified polygon, the buffered spatial objects are fused and a unified polygon is generated as a single object combining all geometric dimensions of the congested elements. Thus, the unified polygon geometrically quantifies all parameters required for congestion calculation of the AOI.

[0021] The unified polygon is processed along with the mesh elements to calculate the congestion factor of each mesh element. This is done specifically by identifying the gaps in the mesh when cutting a single object using the mesh as an overlay. The congestion factor is a ratio that indicates how much space there is in the mesh.

[0022] The congestion factor tool uses geometric and semantic data of the oil and gas site to be planned. Therefore, such data will need to be integrated and established. All as-built drawings are converted and stored in the GIS database and form the so-called company database. In addition to this, the site data for future planning (e.g. platforms, wells, etc.) are also available in digital form in the company database. Furthermore, through established service level agreements (SLAs) and governance principles, it is ensured that the data is up-to-date and accurate.

[0023] The tool will then calculate the congestion factor for each grid and store the congestion factor in a database for each grid.

[0024] Preferably, the congestion analysis tool is implemented as a plug-in for commercial GIS software (such as ArcGIS Desktop). Therefore, the overall environment of the GIS software can be used, such as the UI, internal models and graphical representations, and other features of the GIS software. The congestion analysis tool is developed as a plug-in for ArcGIS desktop. There are defined ArcMap projects that are saved and loaded in advance to execute the congestion analysis tool. Once the congestion analysis tool is executed, it will read all the data in the loaded project and generate a single polygon based on all the features in the project. This single polygon contains all existing and planned infrastructure, including safety buffers for the infrastructure.

[0025] Preferably, a congestion factor is associated with each sub-area of ​​the area of ​​interest in the form of a congestion property of an element, in particular as a factor, a percentage or a color coding. Thus, for each sub-area or a grid tile of an area of ​​the AOI, the associated congestion factor can be easily identified and different design alternatives can be easily compared. There are predefined symbologies for representing congestion factors in grid form. These can be set according to the user's requirements.

[0026] Preferably, the congestion attributes are marked and / or displayed within the GIS software.The symbology of the congestion attributes of the sub-areas can preferably be controlled by already existing functions of the GIS software.

[0027] Preferably, the congestion attributes are exportable as a digital spreadsheet, particularly a Microsoft Excel file.

[0028] Preferably, the HSE module applies buffers defined by the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) principles safety distance table to all applicable features within the AOI. Thus, the congestion analysis tool not only considers the actual size and shape of the features within the AOI, but also any safety distances required around certain features, such as potentially dangerous features such as oil and gas tanks or oil and gas pipelines. When planning an oil and gas field, HSE defines safety buffers for all features in the field. For example, two oil wells must be at least 80 meters apart, or two oil flow pipes must be at least 1 meter apart. The congestion factor tool reads all relevant data in the company database and performs automated buffering of relevant features. This data is processed and stored in the database as temporary data, which is read by the congestion factor tool when calculating the congestion factor.

[0029] Preferably, the safety distance is based on the H2S concentration of the feature or well in question. This reduces the risk of a feature exploding.

[0030] Preferably, the congestion analysis tool supports map layers that can be included in the congestion calculations. Thus, the user can easily show or hide features of interest on different layers.

[0031] Preferably, the congestion analysis tool supports selection of certain model features so that these model features are ignored in the congestion calculation.

[0032] Preferably, the congestion analysis tool comprises a database of spatial data of facility characteristics. Thus, the spatial data is already known to the tool and must not be entered manually.

[0033] Preferably, the congestion analysis tool comprises a database of historical congestion analyses. Thus, the congestion analysis tool can learn from historical analyses and can suggest design alternatives based on projects that have already been implemented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention are disclosed by referring to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a preferred embodiment of a congestion analysis tool according to the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the data preparation process for congestion analysis;

[0037] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing a congestion analysis process; and

[0038] 4A to 4D A schematic example of congestion analysis for facility planning of an oil and gas reservoir is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 shows an exemplary structural overview of a congestion analysis tool, Figure 2 shows exemplary process steps for data preparation, and Figure 3 Exemplary process steps for a congestion analysis process are shown.

[0040] The congestion analysis tool 1 is a tool for automatically calculating and visualizing the amount of occupied space in a defined area to assist in the planning and analysis phases. As shown in the figure, the congestion analysis tool 1 preferably includes a full set of automated processes to ensure that the correct data and strategies are implemented before calculating the congestion factor. These principles and modules are combined together to complete the congestion analysis tool.

[0041] like Figure 1As shown, the congestion analysis tool 1 includes a grid selection module 10, a congestion calculation module 20, a scenario module 30, a data collection module 40, a quality control module 50, an ETL module 60, a HSE module 70, and a business rule module 80. The congestion analysis tool 1 includes or has data links to a company database 90 and a master planning database 100. Additional modules and databases may also be used.

[0042] The grid selection module 10 is used to define the region of interest and its sub-regions. The congestion of the oil and gas field is outlined based on a predefined grid. For example, considering an oil and gas field with an area of ​​more than 1000 square kilometers, a 2×2 km grid can be selected as a reference.

[0043] The congestion calculation module 20 assigns the spatial data of the facility characteristics within the region of interest to a congestion model, and then calculates the quantitative congestion factors of the sub-regions of the region of interest according to the congestion model.

[0044] Through the scenario module 30, users can perform what-if scenario analysis to improve space management.

[0045] The Congestion Analysis Tool 1 is designed to be simple and effective. To obtain accurate results, the data should be accurate and representative of the actual scenario in the oil and gas field. There are established appropriate workflows and processes to ensure this.

[0046] The user can use the data collection module 40 to collect the source data 2 required for the actual congestion analysis (step 102). Figure 2 , such source data may include CAD drawings, survey data, but may also include data from other sources.

[0047] The source data then undergoes an automated quality check in a quality check (QC) module 50 to ensure that the data is coherent and consistent (step 104).

[0048] After this, the quality checked data is then provided to the ETL module 60 (ETL = Extract, Transform and Load) to undergo a data integration process that combines the data from multiple data sources into a single consistent data store that is loaded into the corresponding business database 92 and / or corporate database 90 (step 106).

[0049] The HSE module 70 then analyses the data so stored in the databases 90, 92 and applies the geometric safety buffer to the features used according to the HSE principle safety table (step 108).

[0050] After this, in the business rule module 80, a merging algorithm is applied to the spatial data of the features to provide a unified polygon from the spatial data (step 110). The data thus obtained is stored in the master plan database 94, which also stores the sub-regions or grids of the area of ​​interest selected by the grid selection module 10.

[0051] Finally, the congestion calculation module 20 calculates the congestion factor based on the grids and unified polygons into which the area of ​​interest is divided (step 112). In conjunction with the scenario module 30 and the congestion calculation module 20, the user can perform a what-if scenario analysis. Thus, different layout options are calculated and can be compared with respect to the resulting congestion. Thus, the layout of the oil and gas reservoir and its facilities can be optimized.

[0052] The process of congestion analysis and optimization is very convenient for users of the Congestion Analysis Tool 1. After loading the project into a commercially available GIS tool such as ArcMap or ArcGIS, the user will only need to start the Congestion Analysis Tool 1 by selecting "Calculate Congestion Factor" and the calculation process will be initiated as outlined above. Depending on the grid structure and whether the process includes other hypothetical scenarios digitized on the map, the process will take additional time. The results will be updated as values ​​in the database and this information will be updated with each process.

[0053] The preferred process for a user to execute the Congestion Analysis Tool 1 has the following steps:

[0054] - The user opens a saved project, which preferably has all necessary data layers saved.

[0055] -The user then selects the grid for which he / she wishes to manipulate the congestion factor.

[0056] - If the user has an additional layer that he / she wishes to include in the calculation, that additional layer can be added to the project and processed.

[0057] - If the user wishes to ignore certain features (eg planned corridors), the user can select that feature and have it ignored in the calculations.

[0058] -The user then starts the congestion analysis process.

[0059] With the Congestion Analysis Tool 1, the user is able to select a specific grid and the tool will calculate the congestion in that area.

[0060] Additionally, users can specify random areas (e.g., field boundaries, restricted area boundaries, processing area exclusion zones, etc.) for the tool to calculate congestion factors.

[0061] Additionally, users can create additional features to be included in the factor calculations to aid in the calculation of what-if scenarios.

[0062] And finally, the user can present the results as field attributes and reports showing the breakdown statistics / percentages of all features causing congestion.

[0063] The congestion analysis tool 1 preferably performs color coding of the congestion values ​​based on slabs reflected on the field map after calculation. Preferably, the color coding may be: dark green for congestion factors 0 to 15% (upper limit 15%), light green for congestion factors 15% to 30%, yellow for congestion factors 30% to 45%, amber for congestion factors 45% to 60%, and red for congestion factors 60% to 100%. This visualization of the calculated congestion factors enables the management and asset research teams to immediately address amber and red field areas and initiate projects to alleviate congestion.

[0064] The Congestion Analysis Tool1 specifically provides:

[0065] Better and faster decision making.

[0066] ·Involves planning in the early stages of a project starting with the evaluation and selection phase.

[0067] · Compare design alternatives by giving quantitative congestion factors (option selection).

[0068] Identify congested areas with future development plans and initiate projects to alleviate congestion to take proactive actions to ensure business continuity.

[0069] Raise awareness of oil and gas field congestion among stakeholders to gain more support in future business planning.

[0070] · Reduced costs and time due to proactive approach.

[0071] Can be expanded to other oil and gas fields.

[0072] Identify data gaps that need to be addressed to strengthen critical data management.

[0073] 4A to 4D An example of using the congestion analysis tool 1 to perform congestion analysis for facility planning in an oil and gas reservoir is provided.

[0074] Figure 4AThe geometric data of the raw features 116 of an oil and gas production facility are shown. In the example shown, the features 116 include a collection of wells (small circles) connected to processing stations represented by squares through pipelines represented by lines. These raw feature data 116 are processed by the automated quality control of the QC module 50. This automated quality control ensures certain rules, such as the rule that wells are connected to pipelines and the rule that pipelines lead to processing plants along defined pathways.

[0075] like Figure 4B As shown, the HSE module 70 adds geometric buffers to these original features based on the HSE principle. In addition, the business rule module 80 generates unified polygons 117 based on the buffered features.

[0076] Then, if Figure 4C As shown, the user can overlay a grid 118 of the AOI with the aid of the grid selection module 10. The user can then select the grid that should be processed by the congestion analysis tool 1.

[0077] The congestion calculation module 20 will examine each mesh 118, identify how much of the area of ​​the mesh 118 is filled by the uniform polygons 117, and then calculate the percentage of free area available in the mesh 118. Based on this calculation, the congestion calculation module 20 determines a congestion factor for each mesh 118. This congestion factor is then visualized for each mesh 118 in the form of a mesh color and / or a percentage 119 of free space for each mesh.

[0078] The calculations and visualizations are then used to perform what-if scenario analysis by the scenario module 30 and the congestion calculation module 20 to perform optimal spatial management of the oil and gas facility.

Claims

1. A congestion analysis tool (1) for facility planning of an oil and gas reservoir, comprising: a. A grid selection module (10), used to define the region of interest and its sub-regions; b. a congestion calculation module (20), which calculates the congestion factor of a predefined area of ​​interest and its sub-areas based on spatial data of facility characteristics of oil and gas reservoirs; and c. A scenario module (30) that enables what-if scenario analysis to be performed to improve space management.

2. The congestion analysis tool according to the preceding claim, further comprising a data collection module (40) for collecting source data (2) for said congestion analysis.

3. The congestion analysis tool according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a QC module (50) which performs automated quality control on the source data.

4. The congestion analysis tool according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an ETL module (60) which performs automated conversion and transformation of data.

5. The congestion analysis tool according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a HSE module (70) which performs automated data preparation based on predefined health and safety environment (HSE) principles.

6. The congestion analysis tool according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a business rules module (80) comprising a merging algorithm for providing a unified polygon from the spatial data.

7. Congestion analysis tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The congestion analysis tool is implemented as a plug-in for commercial GIS software.

8. Congestion analysis tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The congestion factor is associated with each sub-region of the region of interest in the form of a congestion attribute of an element, in particular as a factor, a percentage or a color coding.

9. Congestion analysis tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The congestion attributes are marked and / or displayed within the GIS software.

10. Congestion analysis tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The congestion properties can be exported as a numerical spreadsheet, in particular a Microsoft Excel file.

11. Congestion analysis tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The HSE module (70) applies a buffer zone defined by a HSE principle safety distance table to all applicable features within the area of ​​interest (AOI).

12. The congestion analysis tool according to claim 11, wherein: The safe distance is based on the H2S concentration of the feature or well in question.

13. Congestion analysis tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The congestion analysis tool (1) supports map layers that can be included in the congestion calculation.

14. Congestion analysis tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The congestion analysis tool (1) supports the selection of certain model features so that they are ignored in the congestion calculation.

15. The congestion analysis tool according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a database (90, 92) of spatial data of facility characteristics and / or a database (94) of historical congestion analyses.

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