Temporarily abandoned

Test Your Knowledge

Quiz: The Art of the Pause

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary difference between temporary abandonment and permanent abandonment of a production facility?

a) Temporary abandonment involves removing all equipment, while permanent abandonment does not.

b) Temporary abandonment aims to resume production later, while permanent abandonment marks the end of production.

c) Temporary abandonment is typically shorter in duration than permanent abandonment.

d) Temporary abandonment is only used for maintenance, while permanent abandonment is used for other reasons.

2. Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of temporary abandonment?

a) Enhanced efficiency through maintenance and repairs.

b) Increased environmental impact due to potential spills or leaks.

c) Cost savings through strategic planning and optimization.

d) Improved safety through inspections and repairs.

3. What is a significant challenge associated with temporary abandonment?

a) The need to permanently remove all equipment.

b) The lack of flexibility in planning future operations.

c) The potential for equipment degradation during downtime.

d) The inability to adjust production levels based on market fluctuations.

4. Which of the following is NOT a key consideration for managing temporary abandonment?

a) Thorough planning for shutdown, maintenance, and restart.

b) Accurate documentation of all work performed.

c) Maximizing the time spent in shutdown to save on costs.

d) Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

5. Which of the following is NOT a reason for temporarily abandoning a production facility?

a) To install new equipment for increased production.

b) To conduct environmental remediation to mitigate risks.

c) To perform routine maintenance and repairs.

d) To permanently shut down the facility due to economic viability issues.

Exercise:

Scenario:

An oil and gas production facility needs to undergo temporary abandonment for scheduled maintenance and equipment upgrades. The facility currently produces 500 barrels of oil per day, and the shutdown is expected to last for two weeks. The cost of shutting down and restarting the facility is estimated at $50,000.

Task:

Calculate the potential revenue loss due to the shutdown and analyze the cost-benefit of the temporary abandonment.

Consider:

• The cost of shutting down and restarting the facility.
• The loss of production during the shutdown.
• The potential increase in production efficiency and revenue after the upgrade.

Techniques

Chapter 1: Techniques for Managing Temporarily Abandoned Production Facilities

This chapter delves into the specific techniques used to manage temporarily abandoned production facilities, ensuring safe and efficient operations during the shutdown period and a smooth restart.

1.1 Shutdown Procedures:

• Flowline Isolation: Securing the flow of hydrocarbons using valves and isolation equipment to prevent leaks and environmental hazards.
• Wellhead Closure: Safely closing off wells to prevent the escape of fluids and maintaining pressure integrity.
• Pressure Testing and Leak Detection: Rigorous testing to ensure the integrity of pipelines, valves, and other equipment during the shutdown period.
• Decommissioning and Preservation: Removing and storing essential equipment, preserving critical components, and minimizing the risk of corrosion.

1.2 Maintenance and Repair Techniques:

• Equipment Inspection and Repair: Thorough inspection of all equipment, identifying and addressing potential issues to prevent future breakdowns.
• Corrosion Control and Prevention: Implementing strategies to prevent corrosion, using protective coatings, and addressing existing corrosion.
• Environmental Remediation: Addressing potential environmental hazards, cleaning spills, and implementing necessary remediation measures.
• Upgrade and Modernization: Capitalizing on the shutdown period to upgrade equipment, improve safety features, and optimize the facility's efficiency.

1.3 Restart Procedures:

• System Re-pressurization: Carefully restoring pressure to the pipelines and equipment, ensuring a gradual and safe startup.
• Commissioning and Testing: Thorough testing of all systems and equipment to ensure proper functionality before resuming production.
• Production Ramp-Up: Gradual increase in production rates, allowing for monitoring and adjustments to ensure optimal performance.
• Monitoring and Data Collection: Collecting data during the restart phase to assess the effectiveness of the shutdown and maintenance procedures.

1.4 Specialized Tools and Equipment:

• Pressure Testing Equipment: Pressure gauges, pump systems, and specialized leak detectors for thorough testing.
• Corrosion Monitoring Devices: Sensors and monitoring equipment to assess corrosion levels and guide prevention measures.
• Flow Measurement Devices: Flow meters, flow analyzers, and other tools to monitor and control production rates.
• Safety Equipment: Personal protective equipment, safety barriers, and specialized equipment for safe operation during the shutdown and restart phases.

This chapter provides a foundation for understanding the key techniques employed in managing temporarily abandoned production facilities, emphasizing the importance of planning, safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.