Title: Managing hidden system threats for higher production regularity using intelligent technological solutions: a case study

Authors: Jawad Raza, Jayantha Prasanna Liyanage

Addresses: Center for Industrial Asset Management (CIAM), University of Stavanger, N-4036, Stavanger, Norway; Apply Sorco, Koppholen 6, 4313 Sandnes, Norway. ' Center for Industrial Asset Management (CIAM), University of Stavanger, N-4036, Stavanger, Norway

Abstract: The identification and interpretation of hidden system threats on complex Oil and Gas (O&G) production platforms has always been a challenge. These threats may gradually develop into failures/faults resulting in system shutdowns or, eventually, loss/reduction of production. The O&G industry is willing to test new technologies in managing uninterrupted, higher production regularity. In response to these challenges, a research project was initiated involving a leading oil company in Norway. A systematic investigative approach was adopted which incorporates domain experts| opinion and multiple information resources/databases. The paper attempts neural network modelling of a critical production loss-related scenario based on real plant data from an offshore production facility. Analytical results captured symptoms of suboptimal performance from compressors installed in the gas compression system. This methodology could give plant operators an opportunity to identify system|s anomalies early. As a result, unwanted shutdowns can be avoided, consequently improving the overall plant|s efficiency and productivity. [Received 30 October 2008; Revised 26 January 2009; Revised 21 May 2009; Accepted 13 June 2009]

Keywords: artificial neural networks; ANNs; compressor performance; production regularity; hidden system threats; complex oil and gas industry; production platforms; Norway; offshore production facilities; gas compression; production loss.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIE.2010.031080

European Journal of Industrial Engineering, 2010 Vol.4 No.2, pp.249 - 263

Received: 30 Oct 2008
Accepted: 28 Jun 2009
Published online: 20 Jan 2010 *

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