Robust optimization model of an offshore oil production system for cost and pipeline risk of failure

A robust optimization model is proposed to define the most feasible production system taking into consideration the technical-economic and safety analysis of the system. Besides searching for the minimum global investment cost, the new methodology looks for the optimal production system that also minimizes the risk level of the pipeline system. The model attempts to identify the system elements, technology selection, and initial capital expenditures of main facilities and equipment, as well as assesses the expected risk of the pipeline system, through the cause-effect relationship of a pipeline system failure. A model verification process is presented to examine the optimal solution provided by the model testing out the constraints and assumptions. Thus, a realistic case study is shown and discussed to demonstrate the practical performance of the proposed methodology. As the main results, the model handles these conflicting goals searching for the most direct flow path transporting lower flowrates, decreasing the risk level of the system, and the shortest path between infrastructures, reducing the pipeline cost. The model emphasises that the clustered satellite wells system is the most appropriated subsea layout. Nevertheless, the model also highlights the importance of the reduction of the manifold's size, decreasing the amount of the joint production.