Manifold back-pressure reduction increases production

Task

The low-pressure (LP) gathering network experienced rising back-pressure as additional wells were routed to the LP system after losing the ability to flow into the higher-pressure network. As more wells were tied into the LP header — twenty to twenty-five in all — manifold pressure increased, restricting inflow from upstream wells and limiting production. The objective of the BoostFlow operation was to reduce LP manifold back-pressure by diverting a portion of the multiphase fluids from the LP header into the high-pressure (HP) gathering network, improving well inflow and enabling incremental production without facility modifications.

Solution

ABSS rapidly mobilised the BoostFlow multiphase pumping system and installed it on the trunk line connecting to the LP header. The unit was integrated into the existing system without major surface modifications. Once commissioned, BoostFlow began transferring multiphase fluids from the LP manifold into the HP network. The system operated with stable multiphase pumping and 100% operational reliability throughout the operation. By continuously removing a controlled portion of the LP header flow, BoostFlow reduced manifold back-pressure, increased hydraulic capacity within the gathering system and enabled upstream wells to flow more efficiently.

Result

BoostFlow reduced LP header pressure from about 150 psi to about 120 psi. The reduced header pressure improved well inflow and created additional hydraulic capacity in the gathering system. This resulted in incremental oil production of 3,000 bbl/d, increasing total field throughput without changes to surface facilities.

• LP header pressure reduced from ~150 psi to ~120 psi
• Incremental oil production of 3,000 bbl/d achieved
• 20–25 wells relieved at once from a single tie-in
• No changes to surface facilities; zero incidents

BoostFlow provides a practical and cost-effective production-optimisation solution for mature fields where gathering-system back-pressure limits well performance. Three BoostFlow campaigns were run for Kuwait Oil Company at the GC-28 and Dharif MF manifolds in 2025–2026.