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TECPETROL
Sand Logistics

Sand Supply 
Simulation and Optimization

TECPETROL is a leading energy company in Latin America. It is engaged in the exploration, production, transportation, distribution and generation of energy.

It is one of the main operators of the Vaca Muerta field (the largest gas field in Argentina). It is also present in other countries such as Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela.

It has over 20 operated areas and its daily production is equivalent to 186,500 barrels per day, from more than 800 wells in operation. In addition, it has an extensive network of operated gas pipelines extending over 9 thousand kilometers and more than 6 thousand employees.

Case Presentation

Challenges

Quantitative Analysis
Fracking Zones

TECPETROL is looking to improve the efficiency of fracturing equipment by ensuring a reliable supply of sand to the fracturing site. A tool capable of recommending the optimal amount of assets is needed to ensure that fracturing sets do not generate nonproductive time.

Key opportunities

  • Define the maximum production capacity with the current logistics network.
  • Optimize sand loading and unloading time on the platforms, minimizing costs without compromising the service level.
  • Determine the optimal amount of assets to improve efficiency.
  • Optimize the assignment and movement of resources on the platforms to ensure that no unproductive time is generated.
  • Fast failure and bottleneck management.

Methodology

Agent and discrete event simulation

to represent the main logics of the system and the behavior of the assets.

Simulation
ABM Methodology
Parameter variation simulation

to evaluate multiple scenarios efficiently and find the optimal one.

Strategic quantitative analysis
Discrete Event

to evaluate investments and new technologies.

Inputs / parameters
Results

Nonproductive time reduction

Bottleneck detection

Tool for comparing new technologies and transportation contracts

Optimal asset assignment

What-if scenarios and investments anaylsis

KPIs 

The simulation tool for sand logistics allows the evaluation of different scenarios, focusing on important indicators:

  • Number of fracture stages per day.
  • Stock levels in the area, detail of supply from sand deposits.
  • Number of container movements from the trucks to the platforms.
  • Asset utilization and evolution of non-productive time.