Software for more sustainable operations

Real-time information is essential for maximising production efficiency and preventing environmentally harmful incidents. The market is vast and global, and many operators are already adopting the Norwegian solution.

'We have worked with flow simulation for several decades. The industry needs more scalable, flexible and cost-effective software solutions for real-time data, and our customers in Europe, North America and Asia demonstrate strong global demand,' says Halvard Ellingsen, CEO of Turbulent Flux.

The Oslo-based software company was founded in 2016 with the aim of simplifying complex workflows and reducing decision-making time in multiphase flows of liquids and gases in wells and pipelines. The company's CTO, Lars Wollebæk, was previously chief architect for Schlumberger's OLGA software, and the entire team has extensive experience in the field.

We have been an important partner for the company in recent years, helping it grow rapidly.

'Turbulent Flux is a key player in multiphase flow expertise in Norway, and we are excited to follow and support its progress,' says Hans Inge Bollingmo, Senior Adviser at Innovation Norway.

The software company has received grants for commercialisation and innovation loans, among other forms of support.

'Working with us has enabled us to develop our technology quickly and thoroughly. As a result, we have been able to take on larger projects and achieve a return on our investment sooner,' says Ellingsen.

Through our Global Growth North America programme in 2018, we introduced them to several shale oil operators, leading to new customer relationships in a promising market.

'Flow simulation is relatively new to shale oil production, but it has already proved very useful for several key players,' Ellingsen emphasises.

The software applications developed by the company monitor, predict and assess flow rates, the risk of instability and wax deposition. They use a unique hybrid technology principle, combining the predictive capabilities of physical models with machine learning models that help automatically correct data over time. This ensures an exceptional level of accuracy.

High-quality real-time data provides a basis for optimising production and reducing financial and environmental costs.

'The need for physical meters and instrumentation, labour hours and field services is reduced. For example, an operator can significantly reduce the need for well-testing equipment, saving millions of dollars each year,' Ellingsen points out.

The Covid-19 situation has created opportunities for the Oslo-based company and strengthened its relationships with operators worldwide.

'Where we previously saw positive but slow adoption of digital solutions like these, the past twelve months have shown that operators are making changes and investing in digitalisation and automation,' says Julia Weiss, Chief Marketing & Communication Officer at Turbulent Flux, adding:

- Production companies are primarily focused on operating efficiently and meeting their emissions targets. Digital technology, automation and data integration are key to achieving this.

Turbulent Flux is working closely with industry players such as Aker BP and Petronas to explore how production optimisation can help achieve sustainability goals. Their next step is to further develop the technology to make CO2 transport safer and more efficient.

'Multiphase technology has been crucial to the efficient development of the Norwegian continental shelf and offshore energy production worldwide. We know that this technology will also be essential for safe CO2 transport and make an important contribution to the green transition,' says Weiss.

She explains that by monitoring what happens in the wells and pipelines, flow simulations can help investigate and understand relevant carbon emission scenarios and suggest optimal operating procedures, priorities and settings.

'Optimised production and lower emissions also improve efficiency,' Weiss points out.