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Australian Energy Producers Journal Australian Energy Producers Journal Society
Journal of Australian Energy Producers
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Maximising value by using good data to drive good decisions

Aidan Shields A , Marivic Mirhan A and Emma Stratford A
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Santos Ltd

The APPEA Journal 56(1) 265-282 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ15021
Published: 2016

Abstract

The industry-wide move towards big data and the digital oilfield is underpinned by good data. This paper outlines a suite of data management standards, systems and processes, and provides examples of how these have led to improved decision making.

The approach involved the development of standards and streamlined business processes followed by the implementation of systems focusing on production data accessibility, quality and integration. Accessibility was addressed by making real-time data readily available from multiple devices so users spend more time using data instead of locating it. Quality was improved through the implementation of processes such as operational data validation (ODV) and production allocation (PA). Integration was facilitated so that users could view data from various systems in a single location.

The implementation of data management standards, systems and processes led to improved decision making in the areas of external reporting, operating cost, safety, environment, commercial, reservoir management, well surveillance, and situational awareness. In particular, implementation of the ODV process ensured the completeness, accuracy and timeliness of data from reservoir to sales. Furthermore, improved accessibility and integration increased situational awareness, reduced troubleshooting time, and improved problem analysis.

While the concept of data management and quality control is not new, the novelty is in the approach of developing robust standards, implementation of systems based on these standards, and creating the supporting business process and culture aligned to what drives value in the organisation. This is easily transferable and adaptable across all facets of the petroleum industry.

Aidan Shields is a Production Engineering Support Team Leader at Santos Ltd. He has 11 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry in a variety of production, operations and facility engineering disciplines as well as leadership of technical teams. He has bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and science (Monash University), and a Graduate Certificate in Petroleum Engineering (Heriot-Watt University, UK).

He is a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng.) and Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ). Member: MIEAust and SPE.

aidan.shields@santos.com

Marivic Mirhan is a Senior Production Data and GHG Engineer at Santos Ltd. After 13 years working in the manufacturing industry in Asia (Philippines and Singapore), Marivic decided to expand her horizons and moved to Australia as a skilled migrant. She now has five years’ experience in the oil and gas industry, working in various engineering roles across operations.

Marivic has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Mapua Institute of Technology (Philippines). She is a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng.), Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ), and a Registered Professional Engineer in Philippines (PRC). Member: MIEAust.

marivic.mirhan@santos.com

Emma Stratford is a graduate engineer at Santos Ltd. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical and biological engineering, and a 2014 University Medal from the University of Queensland. Member: MIEAust.

emma.stratford@santos.com