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Upstream Oil & Gas Fundamentals

Understand the upstream value chain from reservoir to export, what a production facility contains, the main fluid streams and quality specifications, and the hazards and roles on a producing site. For anyone new to upstream operations or supporting them.

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50m
Total time
4
Competency levels
12
Lessons

What you'll learn

  • Describe the upstream value chain from reservoir to export and distinguish upstream, midstream and downstream activities.
  • Explain what a typical production station or central processing facility (CPF) contains and what each main system does.
  • Identify the main produced fluids — crude oil, associated gas, condensate and produced water — and where each goes.
  • Explain qualitatively what BS&W, RVP and hydrocarbon dew point specifications control and why off-spec product matters.
  • Describe the main site roles (operations, maintenance, HSE, engineering) and how they work together to produce safely.
  • Recognise the principal hazards of a producing site — stored pressure, flammable hydrocarbons and H₂S on sour service.

Curriculum

Progress through each competency level in order.

1

Awareness

  • The upstream value chain: reservoir to export
    Knowledge
    2m
  • Inside a production station: systems, people and hazards
    Knowledge
    2m
  • Awareness check: upstream basics
    Assessment
    7m
2

Knowledge

  • The produced fluids: oil, gas, condensate and water
    Knowledge
    3m
  • Product quality specifications: BS&W, RVP and dew point
    Knowledge
    2m
  • Knowledge check: fluids and specifications
    Assessment
    8m
3

Skill

  • Reading a facility: following the flow and thinking in consequences
    Knowledge
    3m
  • Facility walkdown: trace and document the process flow
    Assignment
    3m
  • Skill check: applying the fundamentals
    Assessment
    7m
4

Mastery

  • Operating the chain: decisions, trade-offs and communication
    Knowledge
    3m
  • Deliver a facility fundamentals briefing
    Assignment
    3m
  • Mastery assessment: judgement across the chain
    Assessment
    7m

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