Tips for a new Engineer 1

[Dan_Z]

Hi!

I'm new to this forum, and I am not quite sure if this is the best place to make this thread, but even still I've seen that this forum is somewhat active and there are some users who clearly have a lot of knowledge.

I'm also new in my position as an Optimization Engineer, and although I know how to use nodal analysis / design programs such as Wellflo and Prosper, I still don't feel I'm doing much. I started to study Python a month ago and I'm trying to speed up a few processes by providing quick responses to small problems in the field (not an expert at python yet, so my projects are small), but what I wanted to know is: in your experience, what are some optimization best practices to... be a good optimization engineer?

All answers are welcome, I only have like 6 months of experience and I'm a recent graduate in Petroleum Engineering, so whatever response you can provide will be of maximum value to me. If you're interested, I work in Venezuela, and resources are scarce, so I would greatly appreciate it too if you have any tips that can be applied to these type of escenarios.

Thank you all.

 

[sraesttam]

What are you trying to optimize? Wells, artificial lift, flow lines, facilities?

My #1 recommendation is to spend as much time in the field as possible. Ask the field personnel what their top 3 problems are and see if there is anything you can do to address those issues.

#2 - get a copy of the "Petroleum Engineering Handbook". Get the old one on Amazon that is only one volume, there is no reason to spend $700 on the entire updated 7 volume set. Start reading the sections that deal with what you are working with.

#3 - go to the field. Seriously, get out of the office and go see what is really happening. Start realizing that what is on the reports is not what actually occurs. Somehow the uh-oh's don't make it onto the reports. Start learning some of the real logistics issues that happen when you're in the middle of nowhere trying to make something happen.

It's great that you're asking these questions. Keep up the good work.

 

[Dan_Z]

Hello sraesttam!

Thank you for your reply, I really appreciate it. What you say about going to the field is true, which is why sometimes I pressure my superior to get me to the field. I'll try to get the book as soon as possible.

Thank you again!

 

[IFRs]

Don't just get to the field, work on a crew in the field.

 

[waross]

Respect your field crew.
They may lack the education that you have but they have the years of experience that you lack.
They may have seen problems solved at other places.
They may be able to explain readings that you find unfamiliar.
You may be surprised at the depth of knowledge some of the older workers can share.
Respect everyone and let the smart workers help you.


Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter