Concept Screening
Xodus is experienced in concept screening processes for various problem solutions ranging from field development concepts to individual equipment based solutions. Where appropriate, certain tools can be used to support the screening process. These include:

Whilst these process and tools are very useful in generating scores and assisting in ranking of options, the key to successful option screening is identification of the correct screening criteria. Key steps in this process are listed below:

The manner in which the problem is modelled economically will alter which of these criteria are quantitative or qualitative measures. For example in a comprehensive economic model, CAPEX, OPEX, Availability and Schedule can all be captured in an overall measure such as NPV or Profit/Cost ratio.

Criteria such as safety, environmental, technical risk, etc are much more difficult to quantify as is their relative weighting to the quantitative measures. This is where the key thought and effort requires to be applied to a screening process to ensure a useful result. In our experience this can only be done by experienced personnel leading the project team through a series of discussions (possibly workshop based) to agree weightings etc.

Crucial at this point is also to identify which criteria may be hurdles rather than ranking criteria. Safety is a good example of this. Sometimes safety can be defined as a “hurdle” i.e. the solution must be inherently safe to even be considered. This avoids having to try and rank projects on safety.

Once the economic model and the criteria have been agreed, the next step is to collate and record the scoring or ranking of options. It is at this point that various “tools” (referred to above) can add value in ensuring rapid assessment of numerous options while maintaining consistency.

For more information contact:
Stephen Swindell, Director – Oil & Gas Division
Tel: +44 (0)1224 628302 Email: