Application of a Digital Twin for Asset-Wide Production Planning and Optimization – A Case Study

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents the results and insights gained from implementing a Digital Twin within the context of a Production Planning and Optimization (PPO) solution. The paper shares the framework and principles of Production Planning and Optimization and the way they drive the requirements and use of the Digital Twin to allow for the effective solution of the planning and optimization problem. In particular, it highlights the requirement of a model of record and an "evergreen" Digital Twin that should include the automated processes to assess the quality of the data consumed, to update the model when changes to the design or operation occur, and to calibrate the model using the latest data available. A Case Study of an implementation of a Short-Term Production Planning and Optimization (STPPO) solution for over a thousand wells and hundred platforms in three offshore gas fields in Thailand is presented. The solution helps the end user to carry the short-term production planning and optimization for the fields within the presented context, allowing for the definition of daily production and operational targets for all the wells in the asset to meet a desired production target while observing operating and product quality constraints. The Case Study is implemented within the PPO framework introduced in the paper thus allowing for the future functionality expansion, such as the integration to a Long-Term Production Planning and Optimization (LTPPO), through the incorporation of constraints focused on longer term value drivers of the asset, such as recovery and other reservoir management indicators. Because of this, the solution is well posed to help closing the gap between the Reservoir and Production/Operations personnel and to support multidisciplinary collaboration. The Case Study not only presents the technical details of the solution, but more importantly it highlights the challenges encountered in its implementation and adoption by the user. Specially, it underlines the importance to plan and implement continuous enhancement processes to align the solution and governance system, work processes, and operating culture to maximize user adoption and return on investment.