During the project cycle, Flow Assurance Engineers conduct technical studies to assess system operability, including:
Fluid characterization using a thermodynamic simulator to model the PVT behavior of produced fluids
Steady-state, single-phase flow modeling to size gas and/or water injection systems and pipelines
Steady-state, multiphase fluid modeling to design production systems, including functional requirements for artificial lift and/or thermal insulation
Transient, multiphase fluid modeling to assess thermal and hydraulic transients during production rate changes, turndown, startup, shutdown, and blow-down; including flow line and riser slugging, cool-down, and warm-up.
Use of modeling and/or laboratory analysis to predict and assess solid formation, deposition, bedding and/or blockage behavior for hydrates, sand, wax, scale, asphaltenes, and other solids.