Senegal: Controlling production under the first oil/first gas system

Introduction

Senegal has entered the era of oil and gas production with the almost simultaneous start-up of the Sangomar oil field and the GTA gas field, which we share with Mauritania. At this crucial time, which should mark the start of a profound transformation of our economy given the scale of the budgetary resources expected, maximising local content and autonomous control of production are imperatives that the authorities should focus on very quickly.

When operating oil fields, it is essential from the outset to put in place effective production control systems to maximise yields and ensure safe operations. This process makes it possible to monitor production parameters in real time, detect any problems and take corrective action. This is a crucial step in guaranteeing the profitability and sustainability of oil activities, but also, and above all, the accuracy of the figures. The same applies to ensuring operational efficiency, worker safety and environmental protection. It is therefore important to see how effective production control can influence the profitability and sustainability of the oil industry.

Operators have tried and tested systems for monitoring production and the various parameters linked to the product and provide JOINTVENTURE members and the State with periodic production reports, but a prudent State should not be satisfied with a declaratory system.

It is true that our representatives, Petrosen and the Hydrocarbons Directorate, who have been entrusted with this monitoring role, can place agents on the platforms to collect data themselves from the meters and compare it with the reports provided, but this cannot be compared with having tools - I was going to say a personal monitoring system - belonging to the State, which collect data from the wellheads and other meters installed at various points on the FPSO (floating production and storage plant).

Even if the measurement tools are calibrated and certified by internationally recognised bodies, they must still undergo periodic metrology tests to verify their reliability. What's more, the data produced is fed into powerful computer systems designed to process it as required and output the information produced.

The foundations of production control

Production control refers to the set of processes designed to supervise, regulate and optimise the extraction of oil from oilfields. This includes monitoring and regulating production rates, managing well pressures and implementing strategies to maximise the efficiency of operations. It is essential to guarantee the efficiency and safety of operations. Without proper control, there is a risk of equipment failure and accidents. It therefore has multiple objectives, ranging from optimising yields to reducing operational risks. By regulating production, we can better prevent equipment breakdowns, ensure worker safety and minimise production losses. The stakes are therefore very high, because inadequate control could have serious consequences for the entire oil extraction process.

The principles and tools of production control

Like all processes, production control is based on principles and tools. These are the various methods and technologies used to monitor and regulate production effectively and efficiently, in order to guarantee an optimum production process. These include pressure and temperature control.

Production control methods are varied and play a crucial role in managing oilfield operations. Real-time monitoring, advanced sensors and control systems help ensure stable and reliable oil production. .

Advanced technologies

The use of advanced technologies plays a crucial role in optimising operations and maximising yield. They enable real-time monitoring of production parameters, anticipation of potential problems and informed decision-making.

Real-time monitoring systems provide instant visibility of production operations. They enable data to be collected, analysed and interpreted in real time, which is essential for detecting fluctuations and anomalies in the production process. Thanks to these systems, the government is able to instruct operators to react quickly to changes and take corrective action, thereby contributing to more stable and consistent production.

The same applies to the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, which are transforming production control by enabling systems to adapt and learn from production patterns. Thanks to predictive models that integrate expert systems, these technologies make it possible to forecast results, events, well behaviour or production trends, by analysing data and using advanced learning algorithms.

These technologies make it possible to analyse vast sets of data, known as Big Data, to identify patterns and trends that often escape the human eye. They enable breakdowns to be predicted, production processes to be optimised and losses to be minimised, while maximising output and reducing operating costs.

The challenges of production control

Managing risks and incidents is one of the main challenges in oilfield production control. It is essential to develop sound strategies for anticipating and managing the risks associated with production operations, in order to guarantee the safety of workers and the protection of the environment. This involves putting in place preventive measures, training personnel and effectively managing emergency situations. In addition, collaboration with regulatory authorities is crucial to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards and regulations.

Risk and incident management

Risk and incident management are of paramount importance in oilfield production control. Rigorous protocols and processes need to be put in place to assess, prevent and manage potential risks associated with production operations. This involves the implementation of safety programmes, staff training and ongoing monitoring of facilities. In addition, it is essential to establish emergency response plans to deal with possible incidents and limit their impact on the environment and the people involved.

Environmental issues

Sustainability and environmental impact must be at the heart of production control on oil fields. It is essential to strike a balance between the imperatives of production and the preservation of the environment. This means adopting environmentally friendly technologies and practices, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, managing water and waste responsibly, and reclaiming sites after operations. At the same time, it is important to commit to a process of continuous improvement to minimise the environmental footprint of production activities.

Conclusion

As we can see, production control on oil fields is a crucial element in ensuring the efficiency and profitability of operations. It enables optimum production to be maintained while minimising risks and ensuring environmental sustainability. Technological advances, such as real-time monitoring systems and artificial intelligence, offer innovative solutions to the challenges of production control.

In addition, it ensures that the State can obtain reliable data, exactly the same as that collected by operators at source, so that it can validly challenge them on the determination of production shares, among other highly strategic aspects.

Production sharing in current projects is based on a five-part model using daily production intervals, each of which determines the State's share and that of the operators. The State's share of production and the operators' share of production generally fluctuate in steps of 5 percentage points of the pool to be shared. In other words, for a small variation of one barrel in daily production at the upper end of the intervals, the State gains or loses 5% of the production share. In other words, at Sangomar, declared production is 100,000 barrels a day. If production were to reach 101,000 barrels a day, the State's share would increase by 5%. Is it in the operator's interest to add this barrel? Should the State remain silent on this question when it can be assumed that whoever can produce 100,000/day should reasonably be able to produce 101,000?

These are just some of the issues that need to be addressed promptly, rather than focusing on terminating contracts that would inevitably lead to a disastrous impasse for our oil industry and hence for our country's image.

Ultimately, a proactive, integrated, clear-sighted and responsible approach is essential to guarantee long-term success in this field.

Mor Ndiaye Mbaye,
Managing Director of IOGS
Former. ST-CNSCL
Former Director of Cabinet for Energy Ministers