OPTAGON is a Simulation Package which enables a detailed, realistic performance model of an asset to be developed that includes not only failure and repair processes, but also additional technical, operational and commercial issues.The extensive functionality within OPTAGON enables complex system behaviour to be incorporated in the system model of a facility throughout its life-cycle from concept, through design, to construction and operation.Traditional analytical techniques (such as fault tree analysis and reliability block diagrams) can be used when considering relatively simple systems. However, when analysing the performance of oil and gas production assets, there are complexities that require a different approach.

OPTAGON Key Differentiators

The OPTAGON package has been developed over the last 15 years and includes a number of key differentiators when using a performance modelling software package:

Multiple Revenue Streams
OPTAGON can model product delivery to multiple markets. An example is gas export to a number of different customers, each with separate supply requirements. Alternatively gas and condensate delivery (i.e. multiple product streams) can be modelled.

Tanks & Ships
The tank storage functionality in OPTAGON explicitly models the filling and emptying of tanks within a production system (i.e. LNG Tanks, Condensate Tanks). Tank filling and emptying are modelled as independent processes governed by the stock level in the tank.

Import or export of products via ships (i.e. LNG Tankers) can be modelled in OPTAGON. Different ships sizes, ship arrival frequencies, ship delays, port restrictions, tidal limitations, demurrage penalties and ship berth availability can be assessed.

Operational & Commercial Strategy
Gas production facilities do not always run at maximum capacity to meet supply requirements. Hence, there exists the possibility of over-producing for additional financial benefit or to make-up for production losses. Commercial strategies such as determining the contract period, setting daily and weekly nominations can be considered using OPTAGON.

Demand & System Configuration Changes
Production systems can change over time particularly as plant ages (e.g. well throughput variations, compressor configuration, additional production trains, failure and repair information) as can the production requirements from the facility. OPTAGON enables the effect of such changes over time to be assessed.

Gas Substitution Arrangements
Gas from a number of different developments can be separately contracted to supply a variety of markets (i.e. domestic supply, LNG export). Flexibility in the different supply contracts and overproduction capacity can allow for gas substitution arrangements that mitigate against failure. OPTAGON can be used to optimise the substitution arrangement.

Financial Performance
OPTAGON can be used to optimise the financial performance of a plant by including CAPEX and OPEX costs for equipment, repair and spares costs, production shortfall cost and overproduction benefits. Any currency can be used and the financial results can be discounted to account for the changing value of cost and income over the life of the plant.

Environmental Impact
OPTAGON has the necessary functionality to investigate the environmental impact of activities such as flaring and by-product disposal. These events can be included as part of a performance model of a production plant.

Planned Maintenance and Spares Holding
The benefits of different maintenance strategies on ageing equipment assets can be considered with OPTAGON. In addition, resources and spares holding across the supply chain can be modelled.