Back Allocation System with Network Visualization

Abstract The use of Back Allocation is crucial in the Oil and Gas industry to facilitate accurate allocation of actual production and injection volumes at every node of a production network. Production engineers frequently use back allocation to estimate actual production volumes from wells based on frequent well test data or theoretical calculations using well and reservoir characteristics. ZADCO implemented an optimized back allocation system to cope with the growing business needs, after a thorough system study of the legacy back allocation system. This presentation will present the considerations that led to this implementation and the project success. ZADCO is a major operating company in Abu Dhabi operating in offshore fields, and is one of the largest oil companies in the world. Being a highly productive operator, ZADCO needed a back allocation system for apportioning fluids among upstream sources within a production network. The new system provides a means to visualize complex networks, verify the production streams, track gathering systems functionality through time and derive the allocation networks. This project has proven to be a reliable and comprehensive back allocation system, capable of providing all the necessary features required for a robust and solid back allocation system. After the new Back Allocation System became fully operational, ZADCO started to realize the following benefits from this successful implementation. Ability to correctly apportion production, where accurate measurements are not possible or cost effective.Ability to determine fluid flow quantities through every strategic point in the network and determine the production quantities of each well and reservoir for production accounting.Reduced time and effort to setup and execute fluid disposition allocations.Better quality back allocated resultsThe new system optimizes the allocation system workflow, resulting in the routine monthly allocation work being greatly simplified.