A Novel Framework for Improved Operating Practices in Offshore Produced Water Systems
Authors: Mohd Ariff Idzham Fauzi , Abu Hashim Noorhasnidar , Nadzmi Siti Norzamiah , Tan Soo Kiet Chloe 
Published: October 2023

Objectives/Scope

Good operational practice is essential for the successful performance of any process system. However, there is a lack of information on what constitutes good operating practices and reliable performance of produced water systems. In this paper, a novel methodology and framework to improve operating practices in offshore produced water systems is described.

Methods, Procedures, Process

A survey of offshore produced water systems in Malaysia was conducted to identify common issues in the operations of produced water treatment systems. The survey found common challenges such as equipment limitation, variation in produced water characteristics, as well as gaps in operational practices related to monitoring, operations, maintenance, and capability. Gaps in operational practices were identified as one of the causal factors of failures, leading to greater risk of environmental pollution and regulatory non-compliance. To address this, a framework and methodology called Water Practices (WAPS) was adopted to improve operating practices in offshore produced water systems which is aligned with International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA) Water management framework.

Results, Observations, Conclusions

First developed and implemented at downstream facilities, the objective of WAPS is to provide guidance and instructions on produced water treatment operations, including setting key performance indicators (KPls) and defining the practices for performance monitoring and control. This allows for visibility of the produced water system condition at all levels and the necessary proactive intervention to prevent failures. The approach is based on measurements conducted across a four-tiered hierarchy, defining specific elements at each level in the plant operations’ organization. The measurement elements include: (1) Water Key Performance Indicator (WKPI) for evaluating water management performance against standards, (2) Water Performance Measurement (WPM) for assessing unit performance against design targets, (3) Water System Key Performance Indicator (WKPI) for measurements at plant or shift level, and (4) Water Influencing Variables (WIV) which are key parameters to be measured and monitored by field operators. The WAPS approach also includes periodic third-party reviews to assess self-compliance and identify areas of improvement and cost optimization. In addition, WAPS is being implemented together with deployment of a digital platform called CLARITY to provide data visualization and analytics and facilitate proactive intervention to prevent failures.

Novel/Additive Information

The implementation of WAPS has improved operating practices and led to increased reliability and regulatory compliance in petroleum processing facilities in the downstream sector. The adoption of the Water Practices (WAPS) framework and methodology, along with the deployment of a digital platform called CLARITY, is a novel approach in offshore produced water systems and is expected to yield benefits in the quality of operating practices, reliable performance, and regulatory compliance.