Qualifications
BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering, University of Nottingham 2001
Registrations/Affiliations
Associate Member of IChemE
Technical Expertise Courses
OLGA, PVTSim, Pipesim, Pipephase, HYSYS, Multiflash, Pipeline Studio, Stoner Pipeline Simulator (SPS), Flowmaster2
Profile
I have 12 years experience in the oil and gas field. Experience in all project phases ranging from conceptual and feasibility studies through to FEED and detailed design projects. Work undertaken to date includes process design within multi-disciplinary teams to assist with the development and execution of pipeline hydraulic solutions. Experience includes:
• Thermal-hydraulic modeling simulation work in the design and operation of offshore facili-ties including wells, pipelines, risers and separation equipment.
• Offshore flow assurance engineering, for subsea high pressure/high temperature (HP/HT) pipe-in-pipe and bundle pipeline systems.
• Onshore pipelines, gas gathering and transmission systems.
• Pipeline operability analysis, i.e. severe slugging, slug control schemes, hydrate prediction/mitigation, wax management, chemical injection, solids transportation, pipeline pigging, pipeline blowdown/depressuring, cooldown and startup procedures.
• Pipeline integrity, fluid loading forces, corrosion, erosion and sand control.
• Process development and design, i.e. material and energy balances, PFD’s, P&ID’s, cause and effect diagrams, datasheets and material selections.
• Thermal behaviour of flowlines including pipeline insulation and active heating.
• Production fluid chemistry, fluid property analysis and phase behavior modeling.
• Sizing calculations of pipelines and associated equipment including tanks, vessels, separators, control valves, relief valves, pumps, process optimization, dynamic process simulation, single-phase surge analysis for liquid pipelines and networks.
• Steady state and transient hydraulic modeling with OLGA, PVTSim, Pipephase, Pipesim, Flowmaster2, HYSYS, Pipeline Studio and Stoner Pipeline Simulator (SPS).
Career Summary
2012 – 2015
Flow Assurance Specialist, INTECSEA (UK) LTD
TCO, Future Growth Project (FGP), Tengiz, Kazakhstan
Performed a preliminary slugging analysis for the new slugcatchers located at the Pressure Boost Facility (PBF). OLGA dynamic study focused on flow stability and liquid management issues arising from multiphase flow operations of the new gathering system, i.e., from hydrodynamic, terrain and operational induced slugging.
• Investigated the potential of terrain and hydrodynamic slugging occurring upstream of PBF slugcatchers. Determined slugging characteristics such as slug frequencies and volumes for slug flow regimes.
• Identified stable/stratified production rates into PBF slugcatchers.
• Calculated liquid surge volumes expected at the PBF slugcatchers from ramping up production of an entire FGP wing and slugcatcher drain rates.
• Determined maximum liquid surge volumes into the PBF slugcatchers resulting from pigging of individual pipelines of each FGP wing.
Defined the operating strategy required to manage liquid-drop out behavior and resulting downstream surge volumes following a shutdown and subsequent restart of a 28” (9 km) cold sour gas feed pipeline that runs from 3GP to 3GI.
• Performed OLGA pipeline shutdown scenarios to assess liquid drop out volumes from cooldown durations of 7, 14 and 28 days and liquid surge generation at 3GI resulting from cold pipeline restarts.
• Determined slugcatcher drain rates necessary to limit resulting 3GI vessel surge volumes to 100 m3
• Assessed the benefit of surge mitigation options other than applying a continuous drain rate to the 3GI slugcatcher, i.e. pipeline purging, warm-up and upstream heating.
Identified design and operating procedures required to ensure depressurization operations of 3GI sour gas feed and HP injection lines are within the minimum pipeline metal temperature constraints and 3GI flare capacity limits.
Responsible for the regular update of key flow assurance documents and simulation models. Participation in multi-discipline and inter-departmental workshops and process safety related reviews (HAZOP). Actively monitored work progress such that flow assurance risks and problem areas are identified and solutions reported.
2009 – 2012
Flow Assurance Specialist, INTECSEA (UK) LTD
ConocoPhillips, Jasmine, North Sea
Developed and optimized an overall steady state hydraulic model within the Pipesim program platform for the Jasmine riser(s) and subsea pipeline system. Calculated nominal U-values based on a preliminary assessment of insulation characteristics for a pipe-in-pipe and bundle riser and pipeline system. Determined pressure and temperature profiles from the producing Jasmine wellheads at the Jasmine Wellhead Platform (JWHP) to the HP separator at the Judy Riser Platform (JRP) via a 16”, 8.2 km subsea pipeline. Provided a range of expected JRP steady state fluid arrival temperatures throughout field life covering a range of potential well flowing temperatures and pipeline system overall heat transfer coefficients representing typical PIP and bundle pipeline configurations. Determined steady state pipeline liquid holdup volumes, flowing gas and liquid arrival rates at the Jasmine Riser Platform (JRP). Identified the potential risks of hydrate and wax formation. OLGA dynamic studies included pipeline cooldown, blowdown/depressuring, severe slugging and startup procedures. Participated in, and contributeed towards design safety reviews (HAZOP).
2007 – 2009
Senior Flow Assurance Engineer, FLUOR LTD
KNPC, New Refinery Project, Kuwait
Steady state hydraulics for the LSFO and LSD fluids from NRP to South Al Zour Power Station. Established pressures required at the EPC3, EPC4 and NRP fence line pipeline battery limits to deliver LSFO and LSD fluids at a minimum arrival pressure of 5 barg upstream of the control valve located at South Al Zour Power Station under various flow scenarios. Provided a complete thermal and hydraulic analysis with Olga on the 2.2 km 12” LSFO and 14” LSD pipelines. Performed preliminary surge calculations and pipeline startup procedures.
KOC, Feed Pipelines, Kuwait
Provided a complete thermal and hydraulic analysis for LPG fluids transferred from NRP to MAA with Pipesim. Defined the inlet conditions required, in order to reach the required outlet pressure of 44.8 barg (at MAA), at an inlet flowrate of 45,000 BPD along with other base conditions. Assessed sensitivities with pipeline diameters of 12”, 16” and 20”, variation in thermal conductivities, increasing flowrate beyond that of the design value and defined the minimum allowable system pressures required to prevent the formation of two phase flow for winter and summer operations.
GASCO, Integrated Gas Project, Abu Dhabi
Completed a steady state hydraulic analysis of the 212 km 30” OAG Pipeline from Das Island to Habshan with Pipesim. The OAG Pipeline was required to operate at a design flow of 1000 MMscfd and a maximum inlet pressure of 151 barg. The analysis accounted for the entire compositional range expected for the pipeline at a variety of throughputs on single source and mixed feeds. Pipeline operation was recommended to operate in the dense phase region whenever possible to keep the minimum length of the downstream pipeline from entering the multiphase region at the higher throughputs. Performed a series of steady state sensitivity studies with Pipesim to evaluate pipeline performance with changes to specific design parameters such as gas inlet temperatures, pipeline throughput, pipeline internal roughness, pipeline length, soil thermal conductivities, and ambient temperature conditions. Produced latest steady state hydraulic design report and a report on the main outcomes of the outsourced transient analysis for the OAG Pipeline. Determined minimum design temperature requirements for several gas and NGL pipeline pig (scraper) traps from the depressuring utility within Hysys.
Saudi Kayan, Utilities And Offsites Development, Saudi Arabia
Responsible for flow assurance and optimization of the existing 67 km 16” JJBUT-2 liquid butane pipeline from Ju’yamah to Jubail. The butane transfer system from Ju’aymah via the JJBUT-2 pipeline to the petrochemical plants at Jubail was constructed in Pipephase. Determined the required pump discharge pressures necessary to achieve the increased design and turndown flowrates within the current pipeline pressure rating. Increased capacity required higher capacity Flowserve export pumps and higher capacity discharge and receipt facilities. Pipephase model included pump suction lines, pump discharge piping, pipeline up to the butane spheres for Ibn Sina/Sadaf, metering for GACIC, and to Saudi Kayan. Determined pump discharge pressure requirements of 770 psig at design flow conditions and 870 psig at low flow turndown cases. Achieved increased design flowrate of 134 MSBPD within the current pipeline pressure rating to meet future Saudi Kayan and GACIC capacity, with appropriate debottlenecking. Surge analysis identified operational scenarios leading to damaging surge pressures. Recommended minimum valve closure times to ensure pipeline integrity. Recommended operational arrangements for surge mitigating devices (i.e. surge relief valves) for damaging surge pressures and liquid column separation. Produced hydraulic design reports.
2005 – 2007
Senior Process Engineer, PENSPEN LTD
Zueitina Oil Company (ZOC), New Fuel Gas Line Project, Libya
Successfully performed a steady state hydraulic analysis with Pipesim on the 10” fuel gas pipeline from KM105 to the LPG plant and 6” fuel gas pipeline from the LPG plant to the Oil Terminal. Inlet pressures at KM105 ranged from 25 to 45 barg. Gas inlet temperatures ranged from 13ºC during winter operations and 33ºC during summer operations. Hydraulic simulations conveyed 25 MMscfd of fuel gas to existing turbine drives and burner systems at the LPG plant and the Oil Terminal. Established overall system capacity and recommended complete pipe sizing options for both project phases. Identified pressure and temperature profiles for the entire system. Confirmed sufficient delivery pressures and temperatures at all consumer inlets and at key stations points, e.g. sulzer and solar turbine inlets. Identified instances where the gas pressure/temperature fell below the dew point. Provided heater duty and insulation requirements to maintain system gas temperatures above dew point conditions for specific consumers. Prepared hydraulic design reports, pipe sizing reports, PFDs, P&IDs, heater duties and insulation requirments for piping, and equipment/vessel sizing.
East Gas Company (EGC), Al Arish Compressor Station Project, Egypt
Responsible for the Phase I and Phase II modeling of the new Al Arish Compressor Station with Hysys to increase the capacity of the existing 36” diameter, 258.5 km pipeline between Al Arish in the north eastern coast of the Sinai Peninsula to Bi’r Taba in the south including the offshore section into Aqaba, Jordon. Performed a gas compostional analysis based on throughput variations and identified gas compression requirements with TGNet. Identified suitable compressor configurations and corresponding pressure/flow limitations for both Phase I and Phase II of the project. Proposed Phase I design case with required compressor outlet pressure of approximatley 67 barg and 23 barg upstream at 6.6 BSCMA and Phase II design case with required compressor outlet pressure of approximatley 94 barg and 22 barg upstream at 10.5 BSCMA. Preparation of Process Description Report, Pipe Sizing Report, PFDs, equipment lists, gas composition analysis, and Pipeline Hydraulic Reports. Successfully peformed a vent/flare study and recommended location minimum required height of flare stack based on API 520/521.
BP, Onshore Compression Terminal Integration Project, UK
Steady state hydraulic analysis under various flow and inlet/outlet pressure conditions with Pipesim on the new 30” Amethyst and 30” West Sole onshore gas pipelines to be installed at the BP Dimlington Terminal. Peformed sensitivity studies on gas throughtputs, gas inlet temperatures, and ground/ambient temperatures to evaluate pipeline performance.
Zueitina Oil Company (ZOC), LP Gas Compression at 103A Project, Libya
Responsible for simulation studies for low pressure gas compression for up to 22 MMSCFD of sour natural gas from approximatley 40 psia to 500 psia to an existing 40” injection pipeline. Performed a gas compostional analysis based on throughput variations and identified compression requirements with Hysys. Recommended complete pipe sizing options for the compressor station. Proposed modelling scenarios to confirm definition of the duty envelope, and compressor suction/discharge pressures, etc. Recommened a change a pipe specifications due to high corrosion rates predicted from the sour nature of the gas. Preparation of P&IDs, PFDs, hydraulic design reports, line sizing of all process and utility piping, equipment/vessel sizing, and compressor operating philosophy.
Sasol, Pande Field Development Project, South Africa
Sizing of the gas gathering lines, main trunkline, and associated processing facilities required to transport gas from 12 Pande wells to the Central Processing Facility (CPF). Established a hydraulic process design basis and identified modelling scenarios based on SASOL’s requirements. Responsible for multiphase steady state hydraulic modelling with Pipesim. Determined suitable configuration and pipe diameter(s) for gas gathering lines and main trunkline. Sizing of slugcatcher and liquid handling facilities at the CPF from steady state liquid outlet rates, pipeline holdups, and pigging frequencies. Preparation of steady state hydraulic design reports and slugcatcher sizing calculations.
Dar Al Handasah (DAR), Jebel Ali Project, UAE
Responsible for the steady state and transient hydraulic modelling associated with revised jet fuel A1 hydrant networks for Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Cargo Areas. Steady state analysis with TLNet into the effects of varying load distributions. Transient investigations with Flowmaster2, into the effects of surge on the integrity of hydrant piping resulting from the closure of network and hydrant pit valves. Recommended optimum valve operating speeds and pump trip times to minimise resulting surge pressures on hydrant pipework. Preparation of hydraulic design reports, line sizing calculations, P&IDs, and PFDs.
PT Transportasi Indonesia (TGI), Jabung Gas Booster Station Project, Indonesia
Responsible for TGNet compression simulation studies associated with the existing 470 km gas transmission line from Grissik – Jabung – Batam to Singapore. Identified compression requirements in order to meet TGI’s increased gas demands. Provided a critique of the modeling parameters utilized by TGI’s model. Proposed modelling scenarios (case studies) for the definition of the duty envelope, compressor fuel gas consumption requirments, compressor suction/discharge pressures, etc. Preparation of hydraulic design basis report, compressor sizing simulation report, and P&IDs. Performed transient investigations into the effects of compressor trips and pipeline blowdown procedures.
BG Tunisia, Hannibal to TRAPSA Terminal Condensate Pipeline Project, Tunisia
Responsible for detailed steady state and transient hydraulic modelling associated with the 8” condensate pipeline from Hannibal to TRAPSA Terminal. Transient investigations with Flowmaster2, into the effects of overpressure on pipeline integrity resulting from surge loads. Preparation of hydraulic design reports, P&IDs, PFDs, PSV sizing, equipment datasheets, and participation in HAZOP reviews.
Dar Al Handasah (DAR) Jebel Ali Project, UAE
Responsible for steady state and transient hydraulic modelling associated with jet fuel hydrant networks for Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Cargo Areas. Performed steady state analysis with TLNet into the effects of varying network hydrant load distributions. Transient investigations with Flowmaster2 into the effects of surge on hydrant pipework resulting from closure of hydrant pit valves. Optimisation of valve operating speeds and pump trip scenarios in order to minimise overpressure. Preparation of hydraulic design reports, line sizing, P&IDs, PFDs, equipment and vessel sizing calculations, equipment lists, and datasheets.
Kuwait Aviation Fuelling Company (KAFCO),New Cargo Area, Kuwait
Established a hydraulic process design basis on revised KAFCO fuel depot requirements. Performed a complete steady state and transient hydraulic analysis on the hydrant network with TLNet into the effects of surge on hydrant pipework resulting from closure of hydrant pit valves. Optimisation of valve operating speeds and pump trip scenarios in order to minimise overpressure on hydrant pipework. Preparation of hydraulic design reports, P&IDs, PFDs, preliminary equipment and vessel sizing calculations, valve/line schedules, equipment lists, and datasheets.
2003 – 2005
Graduate Engineer, CB&I JOHN BROWN LTD
Encana / Nexen, Buzzard Field Development Project, North Sea, UK
Responsible for full and partial allocations of material take off units for construction schedules associated with the well head, process, and utility platforms. Active use of VPRM (project resource management software). Responsible for the issue of all material requisitions. Liaison between engineering, planning and procurement functions ensuring material requisitions received/delivered on time in a phased fashion with appropriate logging of all communications. Produced weekly EnCana package status reports for mechanical, piping, structural, safety, instruments and electrical packages. Attended weekly procurement progress meetings.
Software Validation, In-House, U.K.
Responsible for formal testing, evaluation/validation, and lease/license renewal of all hydraulic, mechanical and in-house simulation software packages associated with the pipelines department. Extensive software testing of all modules within Pipesim, Pipeflo, and Profes, along with detailed hand calculations and running comparisons against known results from previously validated versions. Preparation of user manuals for in-house programs.
BP, AGT (SCP/BTC) Oil & Gas Export Pipelines Project, Azerjaiban
Alignment route checking & updating of IP points generated along the AGT/SCP/BTC pipeline route. Visual Basic programming for geometries associated with pipeline routing, e.g. calculation of horizontal, vertical and compound angles.
Lufussa, Oil Terminal Expansion Project, Honduras
Responsible for steady state hydraulic modelling associated with the 16” heavy fuel oil pipeline with Pipesim and Pipephase, with a sensitivity analysis into ground temperature profiles, inlet temperatures, and ground thermal conductivities on pipeline operation. Pipeline mechanical design (i.e. circumferential, longitudinal, Von Mises Criteria, operational stress analysis, and wall thickness calculations). Use of pipeline international design codes and standards. Preparation of hydraulic design reports.
Nippon Steel/ Exxonneftegas, Sakhalin Island Project – Dekastri Terminal Oil Loading Line, Sakhalin Island
Responsible for flow assurance and hydraulic modelling associated with tanker loading of the 48” – 24”/36” crude oil export pipeline including a steady state and transient hydraulic analysis. Hydraulic transient analysis with Flowmaster2, included optimisation of valve operating speeds on surge pressures, and mitigation of surge loads, analysis and sizing of suitable surge relief systems (i.e. surge tanks, accumulators, and PSVs). Analysis of pipeline restart, cooldown, viscosity tuning, and wax deposition calculations with Tulsa, RRR, and heat analogy modules with Olga. Preparation of hydraulic design reports and pipeline operating and control philosophy.
Nippon Steel/ Exxonneftegas, Sakhalin Island Project – Onshore Export Pipelines Wellstream Flowlines & Water/Gas Injection Lines, Sakhalin Island
Responsible for flow assurance and transient hydraulic modelling associated with oil, water, gas injection/lift pipelines. Transient investigation with Flowmaster2, into the effects of overpressure on pipeline integrity resulting from surge loads and optimisation of valve operating speeds on surge pressures. Recommended valve closure and pump trip times for onshore export flowline, wellstream flowline, and water injection line. Performed restart pressure and PSV sizing calculations for liquid lines. Olga, natural gas modelling of pig trap compression and venting scenarios in order to determine minimum scraper trap design temperatures for gas injection line. Preparation of hydraulic design reports, P&IDs, PFDs, equipment lists, and datasheets.
