2019/20 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
CAPE5630M Flow Assurance and Oilfield Chemistry
15 creditsClass Size: 30
Module manager: Dr T Charpentier
Email: t.charpentier@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2019/20
This module is not approved as an Elective
Objectives
On completion of this module, students should:- Have gained a systematic understanding of the concepts of oilfield chemistry and flow assurance;
- Have a broad understanding of the main type of deposits likely to hinder flow of hydrocarbons and the thermodynamic forces driving their depositions;
- Have gained a critical awareness of the parameters and properties in the most common flow assurance challenges: asphaltenes, paraffin, natural gas hydrate, mineral scale, naphthenate;
- Be familiar with the main methods and new approaches to prevent, control, and remediate the major problem causes to assure the flow;
- Be able to provide comparative analysis on the technologies available and the advantages and disadvantages of each;
- Have gained an understanding of testing strategies employed to determine minimum inhibitor concentration to prevent deposits formation;
- Have acquired an understanding of kinetic models predicting the deposition rates;
- Be familiar with basic economic aspects of common flow assurance challenges;
- Have developed their research capability in selected topics.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
- Identify the major oilfield chemistry issues and mechanisms of flow impediment along with the technologies that can be deployed for prevention, control, and mitigation of deposits;
- Interpret PVT analysis and use fluid sampling and laboratory testing of (production) fluids to evaluate the risk of flow assurance challenges;
- Identify and implement a robust screening to select the optimum inhibitors level to prevent deposition;
- Assess and select the most appropriate mitigation and remediation techniques available for common deposits including: asphaltene, paraffin, natural gas hydrate, mineral scale, and naphthenate;
- Understand the thermodynamic and kinetic models for (in-) organic deposition and fouling;
- Identify the components of a complete flow assurance study and understand how they relate to the production system design and operation including completion equipment and flowlines;
- Apply competently the fundamental principles of multiphase flow and production chemistry to analyse typical flow assurance systems.
Syllabus
- Introduction to well chemistry, flow assurance and their relevance for oil and gas transportation systems
- Flow phenomena and phase behaviour in pipeline
- Fluid sampling and well completion design for chemical injection
- Asphaltene
- Paraffin wax
- Natural gas hydrate
- Inorganic scale
- Naphthenate
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Class tests, exams and assessment | 1 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Lecture | 11 | 2.00 | 22.00 |
| Tutorial | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
| Private study hours | 115.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 35.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Private study
- Directed reading of recommended text books/scientific papers. Students will have the opportunity to use OnePetro, the SPE online library, as part of their private study and independent learning.- Compilation and submission of coursework.
- Revision for written examination.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Monitoring of student progress will be ensured via formative MCQs.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Project | Individual Case Study | 30.00 |
| Presentation | Group Presentation | 10.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40.00 | |
A suitable alternative to a group presentation will be offered as a resit where appropriate.
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S1) | 2 hr | 60.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 05/11/2019 08:50:02
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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