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EG5099: UPSTREAM OIL AND GAS PROCESSING (2020-2021)

Last modified: 05 Aug 2021 13:04


Course Overview

The aim of the course is to give students a theoretical and practical understanding of the main technologies and unit operations involved in upstream oil and gas processing. The key aspects of process safety are also covered to provide the basis for developing safe and operable systems.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 5
Session First Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Marcus Campbell Bannerman

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

Students will be introduced to the upstream systems and the processes involved in oil and gas treatment to condition the fluids for sales and disposal. Basic terminology and the interface with the hydrocarbon reservoir will be discussed. Fluid flow and the application to oil and gas well production will be covered. The use of equations of state and the development of heat and mass balances is presented. This is followed by a series of modules covering the major technologies and unit operations. The mechanisms involved in the separation of oil/gas/water are reviewed and models developed to allow residence time calculations to be made. Produced water treatment, gas compression and gas dehydration are then covered before moving onto to the topic of secondary recovery through the use of water injection and other methods.  The topic of flow assurance deals with a range of physical phenomena present in upstream oil and gas systems related to the safe and continued operation of pipelines and flowlines. Fluid flow dynamics, particularly slugging, together with related effects; wax deposition, asphaltene precipitation, hydrate formation and sand are examined.  The coupled flow and energy balance is reviewed. The subject of process safety and the many challenges posed by upstream oil and gas systems is tackled using a review of both theory and practical case studies.  The taught material is supported by a range of simulation, laboratory, and, problem based learning exercises.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

2x online open book exam (50%)

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualUnderstand• The sub-surface/Process Engineering interface.• Fluid flow and related thermodynamics including the application of Equations of State• Energy Efficiency
ReflectionApplyReview and indentify applicable thermodynamics• Apply fluid flow, mass and heat transfer principles to oil and gas operations• Prepare heat and mass balances• Undertake calculations for design
ReflectionEvaluate• Identify appropriate process configurations• Design equipment• Undertake capacity assessments and debottlenecking studies• Undertake flow assurance studies• Troubleshoot
ReflectionCreate• Identify requirements to undertake process engineering assessments• Solve open engineering problems• Complete technical reports to a professional level• Utilise skills in other Process industries

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