Building a digital oilfield

Advanced subsurface geoscience technology

Utilizing exceptional BP proprietary technology, our comprehensive 1,800 km² seismic survey was one of the largest of its type anywhere in the world. Via the BP Iraq Technical Support Group in Sunbury, UK, this data provides 3D imagery of the field for the first time – enabling us to map out a subsurface area of some 9,000 cubic kilometres.

Where once Rumaila relied on paper records, cutting edge technologies now provide comprehensive understanding of Rumaila's complex reservoirs. The latest logging tools, combined with core samples collected using modern coring techniques, provides valuable information that can be integrated together with dynamic production data to better understand the composition and deposition of our reservoirs. Such tools allow reservoir development plans to be optimized to maximize the recovery of oil.

Reservoir Simulation Modelling

These 3D maps can be used in conjunction with petrophysical analysis to create reservoir simulation models that can then be used to simulate different geological scenarios, and gain insight into the best way to recover oil.

Digital Oilfield

Wireless Remote Telemetry Units (RTUs) installed at more than 400 wellheads, and an increasing number of degassing stations, are now able to provide valuable pressure and temperature real-time information to Rumaila engineers, allowing them to quickly make decisions and optimize field performance.

These real-time data feeds are supported by industry leading data management (SCADA/PI), visualization (IVM/ProcessBook), workflow management (IFM) and production modelling (IPM) tools. All these features are combined through an integrated Petroleum Engineering framework that is designed to help maximise Rumaila’s short and long-term production potential and make the operation a state-of-the-art Digital Oilfield.

Digital connectivity

Facilitated by purpose-built communication towers that host the latest in wireless 'node' technology, a high-speed 'microwave' network now connects all degassing stations, pumping stations, drilling rigs and well sites. This improves communication of plans, procedures and decision-making for the operation, as well as security and emergency services.