Working collaboratively on a challenging conceptual study in Arctic Siberia.
The Situation
The Russkoye field is a heavy oil field located in western Siberia, Russia. The field lies within the Arctic circle and is subject to permafrost. It is one of the largest fields in Russia. The field is being developed by Rospan, a subsidiary of TNK-BP. Predicted field recoverable reserves are estimated at 140 million tons of oil. Oil from the Russkoye field is characterised as viscous with an API of 19. Pilot production started in 2007 and commercial production of around 120,000 barrels per day was expected to start in the first quarter of 2017.
Approach
Advisian hydrocarbons consultants in London carried out a conceptual study assessing the full field development of the Russkoye field. The study included options analysis of various scenarios from which an agreed scheme was further defined to provide a ± 40% estimate. The London team was supported by heavy oil experts from our Calgary office, with Russian Design Institute TERM providing engineering services as a subcontractor. The studies included looking at various gathering scenarios, central/satellite process facilities designs, oil dehydration, gas treating, water/gas re-injection, power generation, field facilities and oil upgrading.
Results
The field is one of the largest in Russia and faced many challenges from the Arctic climate. The findings from the studies helped the client to make considerable cost savings. Advisian worked successfully with Russian Design Institute subcontractors (TERM) who were responsible for executing several of the utility and infrastructure based studies.
