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8740385 
Meetings & Symposia 
Multiphase boosting technology the journey so far in Shell Nigeria 
Nwadei, AC; Nwashike, OT; Stam, T 
1999 
Society of Petroleum Engineers 
English 
This paper takes a cursory look at the unique challenges and experiences gathered so far by Shell Nigeria in solving the problems associated with finding economic solutions for developing relatively small sized satellite fields, that are far removed in distance from existing oil separating facilities in Nigeria. The approach adopted for this paper is to examine the steps that were taken from project inception through design concept selection to commissioning and field tests. Currently the shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria has a total of about 125 partially appraised fields and unappraised discoveries hereby referred to as satellite fields. Most of these satellite fields are in non producing acreages. Each of these fields has at least one drilled well. Most of these fields are located some distance away from existing separating facilities. In most cases, the distance between the field and,the nearest existing separating facility is at least 20km, and in some cases up to 50km. Due to the distances involved, in the long run, these reservoirs cannot sustain free flow of crude oil to the nearest separating facilities. As a result, there is the need to develop an acceptable economic solution for the exploitation of these relatively small fields, to separating facilities with ullage. Part of the unique challenges of developing these fields is the high gas volume fraction, which could be on the average up to 97% at suction condition, with transient liquid and gas slugs. A solution was found for this problem by the use of a Bornemann Twin screw multiphase pump, based on which a module was designed and manufactured. This module was being used (at the time of paper submission), by SPDC for implementing a demonstrator project at Oroni field. The objective of the project being to test and expose this 'proven mature' technology to SPDC operating environment and process conditions. Based on which a full implementation of multiphase technology in SPDC's satellite fields will be potentially pursued from year 2000 onwards. The guiding principles in selection and design of this module were safety, functionality, lrelative ksimplicity, skid mounting, modularisation, self supporting with black start capability, transportability, fail safe and minimal maintenance requirements. © 1999 Society of Petroleum Engineers.