Simplicity and digitalisation – using GIS to reduce design and operation costs in gas gathering systems

Abstract

With the drive to continually reduce the cost of connecting new Coal Seam Gas (CSG) wells, Worley developed new methodologies using commercial off-the-shelf software, and custom development, to automate engineering and improve operational efficiency for pipelines and gathering systems. One of the recent developments is an automated and data-driven approach to produce Gathering Network Diagrams (GNDs), an alternative to conventional Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs). On a recent project, Worley implemented a GND workflow capable of showing ~40 wells per A3 deliverable in conformance with intelligent drafting standards. This reduced ~2000 as-built P&IDs to ~200 GNDs (and associated standard details) with a significant improvement in quality and usability. Prior to generation, a site walkdown was conducted to address mismatches between as-built P&IDs, Geographic Information System (GIS) and what was actually installed at site. Our client now has a suite of GNDs that match the installed asset and are produced from the corporate GIS database, essentially their Digital Twin. Worley then focused on integrating flow assurance software with GIS allowing data-driven execution of future design packages to be incorporated into the master GNDs. We successfully integrated with PipeSIM and GAP, allowing for seamless transfer of hydraulic inputs from GIS to the modelling software. Engineers can now synchronise the confirmed process design back to GIS without producing red-lined and/or CAD-drafted deliverables which greatly improves efficiency and reduces human error. This paper demonstrates how digital automation can be applied to the CSG industry to significantly reduce cost and schedule whilst enabling data-driven operational efficiencies.