Saving Money and Operations Webinar: Kickoff

Jul 12, 2024

Saving Money and Operations Webinar: Kickoff

Introduction

  • Welcome to the webinar on saving money and operations.
  • Focus: Series interviewing subject matter experts to identify key challenges and innovative solutions in operations.
  • Target audience: Operators, field technicians, field engineers, office engineers, upper management, etc.
  • Format: Interviews with guest speakers and Q&A sessions.
  • Housekeeping: Questions via the Q&A box, recording accessible post-webinar on blog and YouTube.
  • Speakers:
    • Director of Engineering: Chris (University of Houston graduate)
    • CEO: Cameron (University of Houston graduate, Master's in Project Management, Black Belt in Six Sigma)

Key Topics

  1. Challenges and Tips
  2. Resources and Best Practices
  3. Q&A Session

Major Challenges Addressed

  1. Knowing Your Numbers

    • Importance of understanding costs, areas of major expenses.
    • Track expenses like glycol loss as red flags for potential issues.
    • Balance between tracking data and not getting overwhelmed by it.
    • Tip: Evaluate large expenses to identify and mitigate problems early.

  2. Vendor Communication with Operations

    • Importance of coordinating with vendors to optimize scheduling and reduce waste.
    • Improve communication to save time and resources.
    • Example: Quick vendor directory for easy access and communication.

  3. Time Required for Training

    • Challenge of finding time for training during busy periods.
    • Utilize vendors for free training sessions to upskill staff.
    • Continuous learning and cross-training improve efficiency and reduce costs.

  4. Asset Management

    • Track and manage fixed assets (separators, GPUs, dehydrators, etc.) effectively.
    • Example: Clients saving costs by refurbishing unused equipment found in assets.
    • Tip: Determine what assets are idle and evaluate their condition for potential reuse.

  5. Reevaluating Goals

    • Changing goals in response to new circumstances to maintain morale and clear targets.
    • Regular communication of realistic and specific goals using the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely).

  6. Prioritizing Optimization

    • Evaluating and prioritizing areas for optimization to maximize savings and efficiency.
    • Example: Adjusting pump speeds to reduce wastage and save costs.
    • Tip: Focus on high-impact areas for quick wins in optimization.

  7. Evaluation of Specifications (Specs)

    • Revisiting and potentially revising specifications to reduce costs without sacrificing quality or safety.
    • Example: Avoiding unnecessary offshore specs for onshore equipment.
    • Tip: Standardize specifications where possible and collaborate with vendors for optimal solutions.

  8. Meeting Environmental Standards

    • Staying compliant with environmental standards is crucial even during tough times.
    • Maintaining records and updating compliance plans (e.g., HSE plans) to avoid fines and operational disruptions.
    • Tip: Ensure spill prevention and proper documentation to avoid penalties.

  9. Knowing What You Don't Know

    • Identifying knowledge gaps and networking with experts to fill those gaps.
    • Encouraging continuous learning and reaching out to professionals for advice.
    • Tip: Surround yourself with knowledgeable people to improve your own competence.

Useful Resources

  • EIA: Energy Information Administration
  • Energy.gov
  • API: American Petroleum Institute
  • SPE: Society of Petroleum Engineers
  • Croft Systems Blog: Over 400 blogs on production and processing equipment.

Upcoming Webinars & Speakers

  1. Alyssa Arnold (June 23rd): Facilities Environmental Engineering Consultant, PE.
  2. Chad Dorsett: Former Production Foreman, Plunger Lifts Expert at Impact Plunger.
  3. Terry Nelson (Tentative July): WPI, expert in Glycol dehydration.

Conclusion

  • Survey for feedback to improve future webinars.
  • Q&A Session: No further major questions, wrapped up the session.

Tips Highlighted

  • Evaluate large expenses for cost savings opportunities.
  • Open communication with vendors for effective scheduling.
  • Utilize free vendor training to upskill employees.
  • Track and manage idle assets for potential reuse.
  • Set realistic and achievable goals to maintain morale.
  • Prioritize high-impact optimization areas for immediate benefits.
  • Reevaluate specs to avoid unnecessary costs.
  • Ensure compliance with environmental standards to avoid penalties.
  • Network with experts to fill knowledge gaps.

End of Notes