Turbulent Flux has developed software that can monitor and predict with great accuracy the amount of oil, gas and water flowing in wells and pipelines in real time. The ambition is for the software to be used in oil and gas fields all over the world.
Real-time information is important for producing as efficiently as possible and avoiding environmentally hazardous incidents. The market is large and global, and many operators have already adopted the Norwegian solution.
“We have been working on flow simulation for decades. The industry has a need for more scalable, flexible and economical software solutions for real-time data, and our customers in Europe, North America and Asia show that there is great global demand”, says Halvard Ellingsen, CEO of Turbulent Flux.
The Oslo-based software company was formed in 2016 based on a desire to simplify complex work processes and to reduce decision time within the multiphase flow of liquids and gas in wells and pipelines. The CTO of the company, Lars Wollebæk, was previously the chief architect of Schlumberger’s OLGA software, and the entire team has extensive experience in the field of expertise.
Working with Innovation Norway has given us the opportunity to develop our technology rapidly and thoroughly.
Rapid development with Innovation Norway
Innovation Norway has been an important partner for the company in recent years and contributed to the rapid development they have had.
“Turbulent Flux is a key actor when it comes to knowledge about multiphase flow in Norway, and it has been exciting to follow and support the company”, says Hans Inge Bollingmo, Senior Adviser at Innovation Norway.
Among other things, the software company has received commercialisation grants and innovation loans.
“Working with Innovation Norway has given us the opportunity to develop our technology rapidly and thoroughly, and this has led to us taking on larger projects that have made it possible to see returns more quickly”, says Ellingsen.
The company was introduced to several shale oil operators at Innovation Norway’s Global Growth North America programme in 2018, resulting in new customer relationships in a very exciting market.
Unique accuracy
The software applications the company has developed monitor, predict and assess the amount of flow, risk of instability and wax deposition. It uses a unique hybrid technology principle - predictive properties of physical models are combined with machine learning models that help to automatically correct data over time. This ensures an outstanding level of accuracy.
Having high-quality, real-time data provides a basis for optimising production, and reducing economic and environmental costs.
“The need for physical meters and instrumentation, working hours and field services will be less. For example, an operator can significantly reduce the need for well testing equipment and as a result save millions of dollars annually”, Ellingsen emphasises.
Greater focus on digitalisation
The COVID-19 situation has created opportunities for the Oslo-based company and strengthened relations with operators around the world.
“Where we previously saw a positive but slow adaptation to such digital solutions, the last twelve months have shown that operators are making changes and focusing on digitalisation and automation”, says Julia Weiss, Chief Marketing & Communication Officer at Turbulent Flux, adding:
“Production companies are most concerned with efficient operations and reaching their emissions targets. Digital technology, automation and data integration are important with regard to achieving this.
CO2 adviser of the future
Turbulent Flux is in close dialogue with industry actors such as Aker BP and Petronas, and are discussing how production optimisation helps achieve the sustainable development goals. The next thing they are planning is to further develop the technology in order to contribute to safer and more efficient CO2 transport.
“Multiphase technology has been absolutely essential regarding efficient development of the Norwegian continental shelf and global offshore energy production. We know that the technology will also be crucial for safe CO2 transport and an important contribution in the green shift”, Weiss says.
She says that by monitoring what is happening in the wells and pipelines, flow simulations can help investigate and understand relevant carbon emission scenarios and propose optimal operating procedures, priorities and settings.
“Optimised production and lower emissions also provide higher efficiency”, Weiss states.