Oilfield Production Surveillance as a Management Tool for Environmental Monitoring

Oilfield production surveillance is the effective monitoring of petroleum reservoirs, producing wells, flow station facilities and flow lines. Through surveillance, the production of unwanted effluents (formation water, excess gas, etc.) can be controlled. Production problems such as sand production, emulsion, corrosion, scale formation and wax blockage can lead to disposal problems and poor integrity of facilities and consequent financial losses. This paper presents a system approach for carrying out oilfield production surveillance process. Using case studies it is shown that the process can be used to identify unfavourable conditions such as gas leaks, corrosivity, and unsafe wells. It is further recommended that the frequency of surveillance should be monthly.