Flow Assurance (Pipeline Systems)
Introduction
We provide flow assurance engineering for flowlines, risers, trunklines, and gathering networks. Our studies cover steady‑state and transient multiphase behaviour, thermal performance, deposition risks, operational strategies, and chemical programmes to ensure reliable transport from the reservoir to the facility under all operating conditions.
Flow Assurance Engineering: Scopes & Activities
- Steady‑state pipeline simulation: multiphase pressure/temperature profiles, flow regime maps, pipeline sizing, elevation impacts, network balancing, arrival conditions at topsides/plants.
- Transient flow assurance studies: slugging prediction & mitigation, start‑up/shut‑in/ramp‑up, line pack/unpack, cool‑down/warm‑up, valve operations, trip events.
- Hydrate management: formation envelope & subcooling margins, transient risk windows; MEG/methanol strategy (dosing curves, injection points), thermal management (insulation, heat tracing, DEH), cooldown time calculations and operational playbooks.
- Wax & asphaltene analysis: WAT, deposition modelling (thermal & shear), arrival temperature control, pigging campaigns, chemical treatments (PPDs, dispersants), and thermal strategies.
- Scale forming simulation: scaling indices/kinetics (e.g., CaCO₃, BaSO₄), inhibition programmes, clean‑out planning, impact on pressure drop and uptime.
- Liquid management & slug control: slug catcher sizing, equalisation strategies, buffering/flow conditioning, riser‑base accumulation management; verification of facility interface capacity.
- Sand & erosion (transport focus): erosional velocity checks (API RP 14E), sand erosion rate (DNV-RP-O501), sand production risk envelopes, erosion hotspot assessment, solids handling and transient flushing strategies.
- Chemical injection (pipelines): dosing skid design (pumps/tanks), materials compatibility, injection distribution, telemetry & trend analysis for OPEX optimisatio
- Thermal design: insulation systems, burial effects, soil thermal properties, cooldown/warm‑up profiles and shut‑in risk management.
Flow Assurance Deliverables
- Flow Assurance Basis of Design; steady‑state & transient pipeline simulation reports; operating envelope maps.
- Start‑up/shut‑down/cool‑down procedures; hydrate strategy & dosing plan; wax/asphaltene risk & mitigation plan.
- Scale prediction & inhibition plan; slugging analysis & mitigations; pigging plans; chemical injection datasheets; thermal management & cooldown evaluations.
Why Choose Our Flow Assurance Engineering
Experienced team with subsea track record
Our flow assurance engineers are highly experienced and competent, with a proven track record across multiple subsea pipeline projects delivered for major operators and Tier‑1 EPC/SURF contractors. This experience spans concept, FEED, detailed design, commissioning, and operations support in deepwater, HP/HT, ultra‑cold, and wax/hydrate‑prone environments, ensuring pragmatic, buildable solutions that work in the field.
Our flow assurance engineers are highly experienced and competent, with a proven track record across multiple subsea pipeline projects delivered for major operators and Tier‑1 EPC/SURF contractors. This experience spans concept, FEED, detailed design, commissioning, and operations support in deepwater, HP/HT, ultra‑cold, and wax/hydrate‑prone environments, ensuring pragmatic, buildable solutions that work in the field.
Our methodology & Approach
We combine advanced multiphase modelling, thermal and deposition science, and practical operating strategies to guarantee reliable throughput and reduced OPEX. Our flow assurance engineering aligns pipeline behaviour with facility constraints for robust field performance over the full lifecycle.
Call to Action
Contact us to discuss your pipeline challenges or to request a comprehensive steady‑state and transient flow assurance study.