Course content

In the exploration and extraction of petroleum, uncompromising demands are placed on health, safety, and environment (HSE) in a life-cycle perspective. The course therefore covers how we apply safety principles, reduce resource consumption (material and energy consumption) in operations and installations, and at the same time ensure sustainable utilization of petroleum resources in all phases and in drilling subsea wells. An overview of alternative solutions for field development and criteria influencing choices is provided.

Important systems and components in subsea production systems are reviewed, analyzed, and evaluated.

Learning outcome

Competence:

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• Analyse, evaluate, and make informed choices regarding alternative development solutions based on natural framework conditions.
• Contribute to and participate in interdisciplinary teams for planning and operating field development that minimizes the environmental footprint and costs of development and operation, maintenance, and eventual removal of all installations.
• Apply engineering principles to analyze and optimize subsea field development
• Assess, apply, and communicate petroleum technical knowledge in planning and utilizing resources and societal relevant issues, using laws, regulations (such as "Petroleum Act" §4) and HSE in scientific as well as presentation forms suitable for a broader audience.

Knowledge and skills:

After completing the course, the student should be able to;

• Account for principles and methods for responsible resource management and sustainable resource utilization in petroleum resources.
• Explain and evaluate various methods for subsea production and processing.
• Account for and assess the design of field architecture and production systems that minimize emissions and resource consumption.
• Discuss various injection systems for CO2 storage.
• Plan, develop, and operate oil and gas fields and understand, model, and analyze production performance under uncertainty regarding the resource base.
• Economic project evaluation - profit vs. maximum resource utilization.
• Understand and utilize the fact that sustainable and safe production over the field's lifetime is a multidisciplinary activity.
• Understand pressure development in a production system over the field's lifetime, perform basic calculations of flow equilibrium and flow characteristics in networks.
• Account for and ensure well barriers to ensure well integrity over the well's lifetime.
• Choose alternative methods for well maintenance.
• Master simulation in relevant subsea technology topics using digital calculation and programming tools.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and compulsory exercises. Exercises also includes the use of programming tools (e.g. MS Excel and Python). Exercises are given as project assignments to be undertaken by smaller teams of 3-4 students.

The course is given in English. Course evaluation is undertaken using reference group or surveys.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

Fluid dynamics, fundamental thermodynamics and mechanical strength calculations, as well as fundamental knowledge of petroleum technology.

Course materials

Lecture notes, recommended and required reading.