More from Ula
Release Date:
16 April 2012
On 14th April 2012 the Oselvar field started production via Ula. This is the start of an important phase in the development of the Ula field with increased water alternating gas injection and increased production.
On 14th April 2012 the Oselvar field started production via Ula. This is the start of an important phase in the development of the Ula field. Oselvar oil will be exported via the Ula export pipeline, and the gas will be injected into the Ula reservoir as part of the existing Ula water alternating gas scheme (WAG) to enhance production over the next 10 to 20 years (Figure 1). With WAG- injection the Ula field life may extend to 2030 or longer. Ula came on stream in 1986 with a life expectancy of 11 years.
Grete Block Vagle, Resource Manager
Over several years significant investments have been made in Ula including the wells, upgrading of water injection pumps and installation of a new gas handling module to receive gas from Oselvar for extended WAG injection. The volume of gas for injection has significantly increased. The capacity to process the gas has doubled to 3.4 million standard cubic meters per day. Ula is a particularly suitable reservoir for alternate injection of water and gas (WAG). Most of the oil in Ula is produced via this method which was adopted in 1998. The Ula drilling rig is being upgraded, and in 2013 a new drilling / work over campaign that includes new WAG injectors and producers will start.
The tie in of Oselvar to Ula consolidates Ula’s position as a regional hub. Ula already processes production from both the BP operated Tambar field and the Talisman operated Blane field.
Currently an evaluation and appraisal program of the reservoir in the Ula Triassic formation is on-going. This may prove up additional reserves for production and contribute to better economics and longer field life. It is, however, too early to make any forecasts. Whatever the outcome, Ula has positively surprised us several times, and stands today as a field with great forward potential.
Currently an evaluation and appraisal program of the reservoir in the Ula Triassic formation is on-going. This may prove up additional reserves for production and contribute to better economics and longer field life. It is, however, too early to make any forecasts. Whatever the outcome, Ula has positively surprised us several times, and stands today as a field with great forward potential.
Figure 1. Ula production profile.
*WAG=water alternating gas injection
*WAG=water alternating gas injection
Brief facts about Oselvar:
The Oselvar field is located in the southern part of the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. The water depth is 70 metres. It was discovered in 1991.The development concept comprises a subsea installation with two wells so far, connected to the Ula platform via a pipeline. A third well will be ready for production before the summer. The oil is transported from the Ula platform to the Ekofisk field, and from there exported to Teesside on the English east coast for further distribution. DONG E&P Norway is operator of the Oselvar field and holds a 55% licence interest in the field. The other licence partners are: Bayerngas Norway, 30% and Noreco, 15%.
