CASE STUDY
Dolphin Improves Pipeline Management with
OLGA Online System and Managed Services
Simulating and monitoring pipeline-scraping operations optimizes asset production
CHALLENGE
Reduce downtime and minimize risk of high
slug-catcher levels during pipeline scraping
from scraper insertion to removal.
SOLUTION
Use a tailored managed service to ensure
accuracy of the Scraper Tracking Advisor module
in the OLGA* dynamic multiphase flow
simulator, through proactive maintenance
of the OLGA Online system.
RESULTS
Optimized production and reduced operating
expenses through closely monitored scraper
campaigns, with the Dolphin and Schlumberger
teams using collaborative workflows.
Dolphin Energy employed pipeline scrapinga common pipeline maintenance practice in todays
complex production systemsfor its Ras Laffan plant in Qatar. Dolphin was producing natural gas from
the Qatar North Field for processing at the Ras Laffan plant before export to the UAE. The production
was three-phase fluid (gas, condensate, and water), which was being transported approximately
80 km to Ras Laffan via two 36-in diameter sea lines. Each sea line was designed to transport
up to 1,310 MMscf/d of raw wellhead fluids.
A slug catcher at the Ras Laffan plant was used to handle liquid slugs during transient conditions.
The slug catcher was essentially divided into two halves, with each half dedicated to an individual
sea line.
To ensure flow, this multiphase transport system required the following:
Monitoring of liquid accumulation in the sea lines (i.e., hydrocarbon condensate and free water)
Control and reception of liquid slugs generated during transient operations, such as production
ramp-up or scraping operations
Hydrate inhibition management (required during winter)
Pipeline management system delivers tracking data online
The company needed to better understand the fluid flow conditions and improve the monitoring of scraper
operations. Working with Schlumberger, a pipeline management solution was developed using the OLGA
simulator that enabled Dolphin to perform online tracking and visualization of the scraper as it progressed
through the sea lines.
Using this system, Dolphin is now able to track the location of the scraper, distance traveled,
current velocity, average velocity, estimated arrival time, and amount of liquid in front of the scraper.
A Dolphin Energy rig in Qatar North Field.
Flow Assurance
CASE STUDY: Simulating and monitoring pipeline scraping operations optimizes asset production in Qatar

The OLGA Scraper Tracking Advisor interface.

Average scraper velocity (red) and scraper position (green).

Consistent workflow and managed services provide
long-term solution
Schlumberger and the Dolphin operations group developed a workflow
to ensure consistent, effective operations, from preparation for a scraping
operation to evaluation of the operation. Prejob offline simulations enabled
estimation of factors such as gas flow rates for scraper velocity, levels
of water and condensate, pressure at the slug catcher after scraper arrival,
rate of condensate processing, and estimated time of arrival of the slug
and scraper.
What-if scenarios can be compared against real-time operations for better
decisions during the operation. Throughout the operation, the scraper
settings were updated and conditions were monitored using dedicated user
interfaces. Information from post-operation evaluation and a performance
report on the pipeline management system can be used to optimize
future operations.
Scraper tracking streamlines liquid transport operations
Knowledge gained during this project led to more efficient operations.
Calibrated simulation models were used to match field measurements before
the scraper campaign to ensure accurate results. The pipeline management
system matched the pipeline pressure drops and onshore gas flow rate
within 3%.
A scraper-type cleaner weighing 397 kg was launched at an offshore rate
of 1,250 MMscf/d (normal flow). The system predicted a scraper travel time
of 4 hours 2 minutes versus the actual field travel time of 4 hours 5 minutes.
Based on the scraper estimates, operators can start reducing the feed rate
1 hour before the estimated arrival time to control the scraper velocity.
Operators can also start flowing proactively from the slug catcher to reduce
the level of increase due to scraping.

As part of a long-term managed services agreement, Schlumberger

coordinated system support with Dolphin to ensure the solutions continued
effectiveness. Dolphin was able to optimize production and reduce
its operating expenses due to the following:
Always-available support to ensure optimum system performance
Proactive approach and fast response to ensure high availability
Expert guidance and user training on how to best leverage the system
Remote and onsite assistance from Schlumberger specialists during
field operation
Increased field knowledge and collaboration among experts,
leading to safer operation Scraper-type cleaner.

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