PIPESIM

PIPESIM Gas Field Production
Operations
Workflow/Solutions Training
Version 2011.1
Schlumberger Information Solutions

August 10, 2012
Copyright Notice
2012 Schlumberger. All rights reserved.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

translated in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying and recording, without the prior written permission of
Schlumberger Information Solutions, 5599 San Felipe, Suite100, Houston, TX
77056-2722.
Disclaimer
Use of this product is governed by the License Agreement. Schlumberger
makes no warranties, express, implied, or statutory, with respect to the product
described herein and disclaims without limitation any warranties of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Schlumberger reserves the
right to revise the information in this manual at any time without notice.
Trademark Information
Software application marks used in this publication, unless otherwise indicated,
are trademarks of Schlumberger. Certain other products and product names
are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or
organizations.
An asterisk (*) is used throughout this document to designate a mark of

Schlumberger.
Table of Contents
About this Manual

Learning Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
What You Will Need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
What to Expect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Course Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Workflow Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Module 1: PIPESIM Introduction

Learning Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Lesson 1: Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Lesson 2: Tour of the User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Lesson 3: PIPESIM File System and Calculation Engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Output File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Lesson 4: Plots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Lesson 5: Single Branch Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
System Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Pressure/Temperature Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Flow Correlation Comparison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Data Matching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
NODAL Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Optimum Horizontal Well Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Reservoir Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Well Performance Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Gas Lift Rate vs. Casing Head Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Artificial Lift Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Wax Deposition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Review Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Module 2: Simple Pipeline Tutorials

Learning Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Lesson 1: Single-Phase Flow Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Exercise 1: Modeling a Gas Pipeline with PIPESIM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Procedure 1: Running the Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Primary Output File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1 i

Auxiliary Output File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Exercise 2: Analyzing Multiple Scenarios with Sensitivities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Exercise 3: Calculating Gas Deliverability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Lesson 2: Multiphase Flow Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Exercise 1: Modeling a Multiphase Pipeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Review Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Module 3: Working with Compositional Fluids

Learning Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Lesson 1: Compositional Fluid Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Equations of State (EoS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Viscosity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Binary Interaction Parameter (BIP) Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Exercise 1: Defining and Analyzing a PIPESIM Compositional Model . . . . 78
Lesson 2: Flashing Options and Compositional Tuning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Flash Calculations at Compositional Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Procedure 1: Single Point Flash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Procedure 2: Multistage Separation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Procedure 3: GLR and Water Cut Matching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Exercise 1: Calculating Compositional Flash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Lesson 3: Hydrate Prediction and Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Procedure 1: Screening for Hydrate (Phase Envelope) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Procedure 2: Screening for Hydrate (Subcooling Calculation) . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Procedure 3: Preventing Hydrate using Methanol Injection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Exercise 1: Predicting and Preventing Hydrate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Review Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Module 4: Slug Catcher Design

Learning Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Lesson 1: Slug Catcher Modeling Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Exercise 1: Modeling Compositional Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Exercise 2: Evaluating Heat Transfer Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Exercise 3: Analyzing and Plotting Solutions of Sensitivity with Profile
Resolution and Segmentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Lesson 2: Flow Correlations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Beggs & Brill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Dukler (AGA) and Flanigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
ii PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1

NOSLIP Correlation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
TUFFP Unified Mechanistic Model (2-Phase and 3-Phase) . . . . . . . . . . . 127
OLGA-S 2-Phase/3-Phase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Exercise 1: Selecting and Tuning Flow Correlations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Lesson 3: Slug Catcher Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Hydrodynamic Slugging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Pigging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Ramp-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Scenario Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Procedure 1: Sizing a Slug Catcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Exercise 1: Sizing the Slug Catcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Module 5: Gas Transmission Network

Lesson 1: Network Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Boundary Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Solution Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Compositional Fluid Definitions for the Network Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Exercise 1: Building a Model of Transmission Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Module 6: Gas Field Production

Gas Field Production Scenario . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Lesson 1: Completion Design and Inflow Performance Relationships for
Gas Wells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Darcy Pseudo Steady State for Single Gas Well in Vertical Geometry . . . 172
Hydraulically Fractured IPR Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Well Productivity Index IPR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Multi-Rate Back Pressure Equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Exercise 1: Constructing a Gas Gathering Network Model . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Lesson 2: Gas Gathering: Design Analysis and Optimization . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Line Sizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Erosion Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Corrosion Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Liquid Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Wellhead Choke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Gas-Liquid Separator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1 iii

Exercise 1: Solving a Network and Analyzing Bottleneck Issues . . . . . . . . 213
Lesson 3: Design Considerations for Cold Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Hydrates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Hydrate Mitigation Strategies in PIPESIM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Exercise 1: Analyzing and Preventing Hydrates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Lesson 4: Design Considerations for Declining Reservoir Pressures . . . . . . . 233
Reciprocating Compressors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Procedure 2: Adding a Reciprocating Compressor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Centrifugal Compressors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Procedure 3: Adding a Centrifugal Compressor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Exercise 1: Performing Compressor-Assisted Gas Production . . . . . . . . . 243
Lesson 5: Impact on Field Gas Delivery of Adding a New Well . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Exercise 1: Improving Network Delivery by Adding a New Well . . . . . . . . 248
Lesson 6: Gas Gathering Network Configuration for Water
Re-Injection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Exercise 1: Designing a Water Re-Injection System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Exercise 2: Analyzing the Influence of Well Parameters on Water
Injection Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Appendix A: PIPESIM 2011.1 Gas Field Operations: Answer Key

Module 2: Simple Pipeline Tutorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Lesson 1: Single Phase Flow Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Lesson 2: Multiphase Flow Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Module 3: Working with Compositional Fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Lesson 1: Compositional Fluid Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Lesson 9: Flashing Options and Compositional Tuning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Lesson 10: Hydrate Prediction and Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Module 4: Slug Catcher Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Lesson 1: Slug Catcher Modeling Consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Lesson 2: Flow Correlations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Module 5: Gas Transmission Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Lesson 1: Network Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Module 6: Gas Field Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Lesson 2: Gas Gathering: Design Analysis and Optimization . . . . . . . . . . 272
Lesson 3: Design Considerations for Cold Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Lesson 4: Design Considerations for Declining Reservoir Pressures . . . . 276
Lesson 5: Impact on Field Gas Delivery of Adding a New Well . . . . . . . . . 277
Lesson 6: Configure Gas Gathering Network for Water Re-injection . . . . . 277
iv PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1

Schlumberger About this Manual
About this Manual
This training is an introduction to PIPESIM* software. PIPESIM is

a production engineers tool that covers a wide range of
applications relevant to the oil and gas industry.
Applications featured in this training include well performance,

fluid modeling, flow assurance, and network simulation.
Learning Objectives
After completing this training, you will know how to:
build a single branch well or pipeline model

define a black oil or compositional fluid model
perform single branch simulation operations
build a network model
perform a network simulation.
What You Will Need

In this training you will need the following documents, hardware,
and software:
Personal computer with a minimum of 512 MB RAM

PIPESIM 2011.1
Training data sets.
PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1 1

About this Manual Schlumberger
What to Expect
In each module within this training material, you will encounter the
following:
Overview of the module

Prerequisites to the module (if necessary)
Learning objectives
A workflow component (if applicable)
Lessons, explaining a subject or an activity in the workflow
Procedures, showing the steps needed to perform a task
Exercises, which allow you to practice a task by using the
steps in the procedure with a data set
Scenario-based exercises
Questions about the module
Summary of the module.
You will also encounter notes, tips and best practices.
2 PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1

Course Conventions
Content in this manual uses the following conventions.
Characters in Bold Represent references to dialog box names,

application areas, or commands to be
performed.
For example, "Open the Open Asset Model
dialog."
Denote keyboard commands. For example,
"Type a name and press Enter."
Identify the name of Schlumberger software
applications, such as ECLIPSE* or Petrel*.
Fixed-width Indicate variable values that the user must
characters inside <> supply, such as <username> and
triangle brackets <password>.
Characters in italics Represent file names or directories, such as
"... edit the file sample.dat and..."
Represent option areas in a window, such as
the Experiments area.
Identify the first use of important terms or
concepts.
For example, "compositional simulation" or
safe mode operation.
Characters in Represent code, data, and other literal text
fixed-width you see or type.
For example, enter 0.7323.
NOTE: Text you must enter is indicated in a fixed-width font or a

fixed-width font inside triangle brackets. Do not include
the brackets when you enter the required information.
Instructions to make menu selections are also written using bold

text and an arrow indicating the selection sequence, as shown:
1. Click File menu > Save. (The Save Asset Model File dialog
box opens.)
OR
Click Save Model .

An OR is used to identify an alternate procedure.

Icons
Throughout this manual, you will find icons in the margin
representing various kinds of information. These icons serve as
at-a-glance reminders of their associated text. See below for
descriptions of what each icon means.

Workflow Diagram
Figure 1 illustrates the workflow of the PIPESIM application.
Figure 1 PIPESIM workflow

Summary
In this introduction, we:
defined the learning objectives

outlined what tools you will need for this training
discussed course conventions that you will encounter within
this material
provided a high-level overview of the workflow.

NOTES

NOTES

Schlumberger PIPESIM Introduction
Module 1 PIPESIM Introduction

This module introduces PIPESIM 2011.1 and describes the
graphical user interface (GUI) in detail to familiarize you with the
application environment.
Learning Objectives
After completing this module, you will know how to:
create a new project and open an existing project

navigate the user interface
display plots in PsPlot.
In addition, you will develop an understanding of:
the structure of the output file

PIPESIM toolbars, file system, engines, and operations.
Lesson 1 Introduction
PIPESIM is a steady-state multiphase flow simulator used for the

design and analysis of oil and gas production systems. With its
rigorous simulation algorithms, PIPESIM helps you optimize your
production and injection operations.
As shown in Figure 2, PIPESIM models a multiphase flow from

the reservoir to the surface facilities, enabling you to do a
comprehensive production system analysis.
PIPESIM is most often used by reservoir, production, or facilities

engineers as an engineering tool to model well performance,
conduct nodal (systems) analysis, design artificial lift systems,
model pipeline networks and facilities, analyze field development
plans, and optimize production.
NOTE: Steady-state flow simulation implies that the mass flow

rate is conserved throughout the system. This means
there is no accumulation of mass within any component
in the system.

PIPESIM Introduction Schlumberger
Figure 2 Total production system
PIPESIM modules are available and licensed individually,

depending on your needs.
Base System Production system analysis

software for well modeling,
NODAL analysis, artificial lift
design, pipeline/process facilities
modeling, and field development
planning.
Network Analysis (NET) Optional add-on to PIPESIM for
modeling complex networks that
can include loops, parallel lines,
and crossovers
SIS PVT Toolbox - EOS Optional add-on to PIPESIM for
Package modeling compositional fluid
using flash packages from
ECLIPSE* 300 or DBR.
SIS PVT Toolbox Optional PVT Toolbox add-on to
Advanced Gas EOS expose additional flash
packages like RefProp V8 and
GERG 2008.
Multiflash Package Optional add-on to PIPESIM.
Compositional model is not
required.

Multiflash Hydrates Optional add-on to Multiflash

package.
Multiflash Wax Optional add-on to Multiflash
Thermodynamics package.
Multiflash Asphaltene Optional add-on to Multiflash
package.
Multiflash CSMA EOS Optional add-on to Multiflash
package to expose CSMA EOS.
Multiflash Package Linux Optional add-on to Multiflash
Engine package for Linux Operating
System.
Linux Computation Used only with Avocet* IAM*
Engines when ECLIPSE Parallel runs on
a Linux cluster.
Gas Lift Optimization Network optimization option that
Module calculates the optimal gas lift
allocation to a network of gas
lifted wells, together with
optimization of choke sizes and
well status.
PIPESIM OLGAS Steady Third-party 2-phase mechanistic
State Flow Correlation: multiphase flow model
Two-Phase
PIPESIM OLGAS Steady Third-party 3-phase mechanistic
State Flow Correlation: multiphase flow model
Three-Phase
PIPESIM LEDA Flow Third-party 2-phase mechanistic
Correlation: Two-Phase multiphase flow model
PIPESIM LEDA Flow Third-party 3-phase mechanistic
Correlation: Three-Phase multiphase flow model
PIPESIM Rod Pump Design Third-party module for designing
and Optimization rod pumps.
PIPESIM Rod Pump Third-party module for
Diagnostics diagnosing rod pump
performance based on digitized
dynocards.

PIPESIM DBR Wax Single-phase wax deposition

Deposition model embedded in PIPESIM
using wax properties
characterized with the DBR
SOLIDS application.
DBR SOLIDS: Wax and Standalone application that
Asphaltene Precipitation predicts the wax and asphaltene
precipitation temperature.
DBR SOLIDS: Wax Standalone application that
Deposition characterizes wax properties for
Characterization use in PIPESIM wax simulation.
Lesson 2 Tour of the User Interface
The PIPESIM graphical user interface (GUI) allows you to easily

construct well and network models within a single environment. To
launch PIPESIM from the Start menu, select All Programs >
Schlumberger > PIPESIM.
As shown in Figure 3, the PIPESIM interface consists of one main

window, a menu bar, a status bar, a standard toolbar, and three
specific toolbars related to single branch and network modeling
views. The standard toolbar (Figure 4) contains common
commands that are displayed in both the single branch and
network views.
The Single Branch toolbar (Figure 5) is displayed only in single

branch view, while the Network toolbar (Figure 6) and the Net
Viewer toolbar are displayed in the Network view.
You can also hide the toolbars from view using the Menu bar.
Menu Consists of some of the familiar Windows menus,

Bar including File, Edit, Help, and more. All the tools
available in other toolbars, plus all operations in
PIPESIM.
Status Shows the status of running operation. If there is no
Bar operation running, it will show the path of model.
Standard Available in both single branch and network model.
Toolbar It is comprised of the icons and processes shown in
Figure 4.

Figure 3 PIPESIM toolbars and menus
Figure 4 Standard toolbar functionality

Single This toolbar is available only in single branch

Branch models or the network model in single branch
Toolbar mode. It consists of all objects required to build the
physical model.
These tools also can be accessed from the Menu

bar.
Figure 5 Single Branch toolbar

Network This toolbar is available only in the network model

Toolbar view. It consists of all objects required to build the
physical network model.
These tools can also be accessed from the Menu

bar.
Figure 6 Network toolbar
NOTE: Icons in the Network toolbar and the Net Viewer bar
are not activated in the Single Branch model. Similarly,
icons in the Single Branch toolbar are not highlighted in
the network model.
From the Network model, you must access the Single

Branch mode by double-clicking on the object to insert
necessary equipment, such as compressors, pumps,
chokes, and more.

Lesson 3 PIPESIM File System and

Calculation Engines
PIPESIM generates several input and output files in its working

directory when you run a model. The input files are processed by
the simulation engine to create output files.
PIPESIM PIPESIM uses one engine for a Single Branch

Engines model and another engine for a Network model.
Psimstub.exe is the PIPESIM engine for single

branch operations
Pnetstub.exe is the PIPESIM engine for a

network simulation
You can set or change the path of these

engines by selecting Setup > Preferences >
Choose Paths.
PIPESIM File PIPESIM stores data in these formats:
System
ASCII files
Binary files
Microsoft Access database.

Table 1: PIPESIM File Extensions and their Uses

Extension Type of File Application
*.bps Single branch All the data necessary to run a model.
model Single Branch model file includes
PIPESIM file data for units, fluid composition, well
IPR, system data, and more.
The support team requires these files
when you make support queries.
*.bpn Network model Same as above for a Network model.
PIPESIM file
Output Files
*.out Output file All output data in ASCII format. The
output file is produced from both
Single Branch and Network models.
Node by node results are reported in
output files.
The output file is divided into
sections. You have the option to show
or hide a section by using Setup >
Define Output.
Mostly, errors are reported in output
file. Remember to check this file in
case of an error in a PIPESIM model.
*.sum Summary file Summary report of PIPESIM output,
such as pressures and temperatures
at sources and sinks.
Plot Files
*.plc Profile plot Variables you can plot with distance
and elevation in PsPlot. These
variables include pressure,
temperature and fluid properties, and
more.
PsPlot is a plotting utility in PIPESIM.
*.plt System plot Same as the *.plc file, but does not
contain variables such as distance
and elevation.
This file is primarily used to see
sensitivity of one variable to another.
For example, you can plot water cut
with system outlet pressure.

Table 1: PIPESIM File Extensions and their Uses

Miscellaneous Files
*.psm This is the keyword input file
generated by the user interface for
the PIPESIM single branch engine
named psimstub.exe. In certain
situations (mainly debugging), this file
can be manually modified via expert
mode.
*.tnt All instructions sent to the PIPESIM
network engine: pnetstub.exe. The
PIPESIM engine reads this file for
processing instead of the *.bpn file.
*.mdb Access Black oil fluid data, electric
database file submersible pump (ESP)
performance curves, user-defined
pump and compressor curves, and
pressure survey data.
You can access this file by selecting
Setup > Preferences > Choose
Paths. You can set the path of this
file in the Data Source box.
*.pvt PVT file A single stream composition and a
table of fluid properties for a given set
of pressure and temperature values.
If needed, this file can be created by a
commercial PVT package, such as
Multiflash, Hysys, DBRSolids, or
others, or via the Compositional
module in PIPESIM.
*.unf Unit file Stores user-defined unit sets, which
can be passed from user-to-user.
*.env Phase envelope file
*.map Flow regime map

Output File
The PIPESIM output file (Figure 7) is an ACSII format file,
generated by either a Single Branch or a Network model. This is a
very large file divided into many sections.
Figure 7 Sample output file (primary output section)

You can customize the output report by selecting Setup > Define
output (Figure 8).
Figure 8 Define Output tab

Lesson 4 Plots
Plots in PIPESIM are displayed with a plotting utility named

PsPlot. The path to the PsPlot executable is normally located in
the PIPESIM installation directory, such as C:\Program Files
(x86)\Schlumberger\ PIPESIM\Programs\PSPlotX.exe.
You can set the path of PsPlotX.exe by selecting Setup >

Preferences > Choose Paths. You can use PsPlot to open both
*.plc and *.plt files.
Optionally, you can view data in tabular mode (Figure 9) by

clicking on the Data tab.
Figure 9 Plot and Tabular view of PsPlot data

You can change display settings of PsPlot, such as title, minimum

or maximum axis, colors, legends and more by selecting Edit >
Advanced Plot Setup (Figure 10).
Figure 10 Advanced Plot Setup dialog

Lesson 5 Single Branch Operations
There are many single branch operations available in PIPESIM

(Figure 11).
Figure 11 List of single branch operations
System Analysis
The Systems Analysis operation enables you to determine the
performance of a given system for varying operating conditions on
a case-by-case basis. Results of the system analysis operation
are provided in the form of plots of a dependent variable, such as
outlet pressure, versus an independent variable, such as flow
rate.
You can generate families of X-Y curves for the system by varying
either a single sensitivity variable (such as water cut) or by
applying permutations of a group of sensitivity values.

The ability to perform analysis by combining sensitivity variables

in different ways makes the System Analysis operation a very
flexible tool for plotting data on a case-by-case basis. A typical
plot resulting from a system analysis operation is shown in
Figure 12.
Figure 12 Typical System Analysis plot
Pressure/Temperature Profile
You can generate pressure and temperature profiles of the
system as a function of distance/elevation along the system. Both
temperature and pressure profiles are generated on a node-by-
node basis for the system.
NOTE: The system analysis operation also generates Pressure/

Temperature profile plots for each case. Likewise,
Pressure/Temperature Profile operations generate a
system plot.
Flow Correlation Comparison

Quickly compare various multiphase flow correlations against
measured data. The Data Matching operation used in PIPESIM
2011.1 is recommended for regression of friction and holdup
multipliers to tune multiphase flow correlations to match well test
data.

Data Matching
Select parameters that will be automatically adjusted to match
measured pressure and temperature data for a particular system.
These parameters include multipliers for heat transfer coefficient
(to match temperature measurements), as well as friction factor
and holdup factor multipliers (to match pressure measurements).
This operation allows you to select and rank multiple flow

correlations. It also allows you to simultaneously match pressure
and temperature measurements.
NODAL Analysis
A common way to analyze well performance is through a NODAL
analysis plot to visually assess the impact of various system
components.
This is done by splitting the system at the point of interest known

as the NODAL analysis point and graphically presenting the
system response upstream (Inflow) and downstream (Outflow) of
the nodal point.
The point at which the inflow and outflow curves intersect is the
operating point for the given system, as shown in Figure 13.
Figure 13 NODAL analysis Inflow/Outflow curves

Optimum Horizontal Well Length

This measurement predicts hydraulic wellbore performance in the
completion. The multiple source concept leads to a pressure
gradient from the blind-end (toe) to the producing-end (heel) that,
if neglected, results in over-predicting deliverability.
The reduced drawdown at the toe results in the production

leveling off as a function of well length; it can be shown that drilling
beyond an optimum length would yield no significant additional
production.
Reservoir Tables
For the purposes of reservoir simulation, it is often necessary to
generate VFP curves for input to a reservoir simulation program.
The VFP curves allow the reservoir simulator to determine
bottomhole flowing pressures as a function of tubing head
pressure, flow rate, GOR, water cut and the artificial lift quantity.
The reservoir simulator interface allows you to write tabular

performance data to a file for input into a reservoir simulation
model. Currently, the following reservoir simulators are supported:
ECLIPSE
PORES
VIP
COMP4
MoReS (Shells in-house reservoir simulator).
Well Performance Curves

These can be created in the network solver to produce faster
solution times. A curve is created that represents the performance
of the well under specified conditions. The network solver will then
use this curve instead of modeling the well directly.
Gas Lift Rate vs. Casing Head Pressure

Determines the gas lift injection rate possible based on the casing
head pressure for a well.

Artificial Lift Performance

This operation analyzes the effects of artificial lift of a production
well using either gas lift or an electric submersible pump (ESP).
The performance curves allow for sensitivities on various
parameters, including wellhead pressure, water cut, tubing, and
flowline diameters.
NOTE: The Artificial Lift Performance operation is essentially a

specific implementation of the system analysis
operation.
Wax Deposition
Depending on the selected method, you must enter wax
properties or provide a properties file. With various deposition
model/methods, generates wax deposition profile (Distance vs.
Wax deposition thickness) and system (Wax Volume against time)
plots.
Review Questions
What is the basic premise of steady-state flow modeling?
What single branch operations are available?
Summary
In the module, you gained an understanding of PIPESIM toolbars,
file system, engines, and operations. You also learned about:
starting PIPESIM with a new or existing project

navigating and learning the user interface
viewing results in output file
displaying plots in PsPlot
selecting single branch options
identifying PIPESIM executables and data files.

NOTES

Schlumberger Simple Pipeline Tutorials
Module 2 Simple Pipeline Tutorials

The purpose of these tutorials is to familiarize you with the
PIPESIM Single Branch interface by building and running simple
examples. You will construct a simple pipeline model to determine
pressure drop along a horizontal pipeline for a given inlet pressure
and flow rate.
You will also run some sensitivity studies on the model.
Learning Objectives
build the physical model

create a fluid model
choose flow correlations
perform operations
view and analyze results.
Lesson 1 Single-Phase Flow

Calculations
Consider the case, illustrated inFigure 14, of a pipeline

transporting dry gas.
Figure 14 Pipeline transporting gas

Simple Pipeline Tutorials Schlumberger
The pressure change per distance L for single phase flow is given
by Bernoullis equation:
The accelerational term is normally negligible except for low pressure and high
velocity gas flow, although PIPESIM will always calculate this term.
Assuming the accelerational term to be zero for your hand calculation, the
pressure gradient equation becomes:
where:
= fluid density (lbm/ft3)
g = gravitational constant
f = moody friction factor
v = fluid velocity (ft/s)
d = pipe inside diameter (ft)
Exercise 1 Modeling a Gas Pipeline with

PIPESIM
In this exercise, you use PIPESIM to build the gas pipeline, define
parameters for each component in the model, perform operations,
and view and analyze the results.
There are three parts to this exercise.
1. Start the application.

2. Create the fluid model (water) and selecting flow
correlations.
3. Build the physical model.

Getting Started
1. To start PIPESIM, select Start > Program Files >
Schlumberger > PIPESIM.
2. Click NEW Single Branch Model.
3. From the Setup > Units menu, select the Eng(ineering)

units.
4. From the Setup > Define Output tab, uncheck all report
options except Primary Output and Auxiliary Output.
Building the Physical Model (a gas Pipeline Model)
1. Click Source and place it in the window by clicking inside

the Single Branch window.
2. Click Boundary Node and place it in the window.

3. Click Flowline .
4. Link Source_1 to the End Node S1 by clicking and dragging
from Source_1 and dropping in S1.
NOTE: The red outlines on Source_1 and Flowline_1
indicate that essential input data are missing.
5. Double-click Source_1 and the source input data user form

displays.
a. Fill in the form with the values shown in the figure.
b. Click OK to exit the user form.

6. Double-click Flowline_1 and the input data user form is
displayed.

7. Fill the form as shown, ensuring that the rate of undulations =

0 (no terrain effects).
8. Click the Heat Transfer tab and fill in the form for an
adiabatic process, assuming no heat was gained or lost
between the system and its environment.
9. Click OK to exit the user form and accept the overall heat
transfer coefficient (U value) defaults.

Creating the Fluid Model (Gas) and Selecting Flow

Correlations
1. Select Setup > Black Oil to open the Black Oil Fluid menu.
2. Fill in the Black Oil Properties user form with the information
shown in the figure and click OK.
NOTE: LGR = 0 represents the system containing no liquid.

This is used to represent dry gas using black Oil
Fluid model in PIPESIM. For a gas-water (no oil) oil
system; parameters of interest would be WGR (or
GWR) after setting OGR = 0.
3. Select File > Save As and save the model as

M2_L1_Ex1_GasPipe.bps.

4. From the Setup > Flow Correlations menu, choose the

Moody single-phase flow correlation and click OK.
Procedure 1 Running the Simulation
PIPESIM Single Branch mode offers several simulation

operations, depending on the intended workflow. Many of these
operations are explained in the exercises that follow.
The Pressure/Temperature Profile operation is used to acquire

the distribution of pressure, temperature, and many other
parameters across the flow path.
1. From the Operations menu, select the Pressure/

Temperature Profile operation.

NOTE: The Pressure Temperature Profile operation requires

that you designate a calculated variable and specify
all other variables. Generally, two specifications are
provided for use with the rate, inlet pressure and
outlet pressure, while the third is calculated.
However, all three can be specified and a forth
variable will be calculated, for example choke size.
2. Select the Outlet Pressure as the Calculated Variable.

3. Specify a gas flow rate of 9.6 MMscfd.
4. Select the option Pressure vs Total Distance as the default
plot.
5. Click Run Model. The pressure calculation uses the Moody

correlation (default single-phase correlation).

6. View and analyze the results. The pressure profile below

should be visible upon completion of the run.
7. To display a tabular output of the Pressure/Temperature

profile, click the Data tab at the top of your graph. Notice that
the outlet pressure is approximately 706 psia.
8. (Optional) Copy these data into Excel.
a. Highlight the cells of interest.
b. Press Ctrl + C.
c. Select a cell in Excel and press Ctrl + V.
d. To view an abbreviated form of the full output file, select
Reports > Summary File.

You can observe the output.

9. The Summary file reports the frictional and elevational

components of the total pressure change in the pipeline.
Enter the values from the Summary file report.
Table 2: Parameter Table 3: Result

Gas Velocity at Inlet (ft/s)
Gas Velocity at Outlet (ft/s)
Pfrictional (psi)
Pelevational (psi)
Ptotal (psi)
Outlet Pressure (psia)
10. View the output file by selecting Reports > Output File. By
default, the output file is divided into five sections:
Input Data Echo (Input data and Input units summary)
Fluid Property Data (Input data of the fluid model)
Profile and Flow Correlations (Profile and selected
correlations summary)
Primary Output
Auxiliary Output.
NOTE: If the units reported in the output file are not the
desired ones, change the units (Setup > Units), pick
the preferred unit system, and re-run the simulation.

Primary Output File

The primary output is shown in Figure 15.
Figure 15 Example of the primary output file

The primary output contains 17 columns:
Node number: node at which all the measures on the row

have been recorded. (The nodes have been spaced by
default with a 1,000 foot interval.)
Horizontal Distance (cumulative horizontal component of
length)
Elevation (absolute)
Angle of inclination (from the horizontal)
Angle of inclination (from the vertical)
Pressure
Temperature
Mean mixture velocity
Elevational pressure drop
Frictional pressure drop
Actual Liquid flow rate at the P,T conditions of the node
Actual Free gas rate at the node converted to standard P,T
conditions
Total Mass flow rate at the node
Actual Liquid density at the P,T conditions of the node
Actual Free gas density at the P,T conditions of the node
Slug Number
Flow Pattern.
Notice that, as the pressure decreases, the gas density
decreases; therefore, the velocity must increase to maintain a
constant mass flow rate.

Auxiliary Output File

The auxiliary output is shown inFigure 16.
Figure 16 Example of the auxiliary output file

The auxiliary output consists of 19 columns:
Node number
Horizontal distance (cumulative)
Elevation (absolute)
Superficial liquid velocity
Superficial gas velocity
Liquid mass flow rate
Gas mass flow rate
Liquid viscosity
Gas viscosity
Reynolds number
No-slip Liquid Holdup Fraction
Slip Liquid Holdup Fraction
Liquid Water cut
Fluid Enthalpy
Erosion Velocity ratio
Erosion rate (if applicable)
Corrosion rate (if applicable)
Hydrate temperature sub-cooling (if applicable)
Liquid Loading Velocity Ratio (If Applicable).

Exercise 2 Analyzing Multiple Scenarios with

Sensitivities
In this exercise, you will continue using the previous example to

explore how your model responds to different inlet temperatures.
You will set a range of temperatures, perform operations, and
view and analyze your results.
1. From the Operations menu, select the Pressure/

Temperature Profile Operation.
a. Select Source_1 as the Object and Temperature as the
Variable.
b. In the Pressure/Temperature Profile user form, click Range
.
c. Fill in the input form, as shown.

d. Click Apply and close the Set Range window. The

completed form is shown in the figure.
2. Click Run Model.

The pressure calculation uses the Moody correlation (Default
single phase correlation).

3. Observe the PsPlot output. This pressure profile should be

visible upon completion of the run.
4. Open the Summary report to view the results of the three

sensitivity cases.
Enter the values from the Summary file report.
Case 1 Case 2 Case 3

Temp = Temp = Temp =
Parameter 60degF 120degF 180degF
Gas Velocity at Inlet (ft/s)
Gas Velocity at Outlet (ft/s)
Pfrictional (psi)
Pelevational (psi)
Ptotal (psi)
Outlet Pressure (psia)
NOTE: The highest inlet temperatures yield the highest

pressure drop.

Gas is a compressible fluid with a density described by the

ideal gas law, rearranged into the following expression:
pM
g
zRT
where:
g = gas density
p = pressure
M = Molecular Weight
z = gas compressibility factor
R = ideal gas constant
T = Temperature.
It is important to note that the highest inlet temperatures yield
the highest pressure drop. This is because, as the
temperature increases, the density decreases resulting in a
decrease in the Reynolds number.
Correspondingly, the friction factor increases and, as a
result, the frictional pressure gradient is higher. In other
words,
Also, because
dp fv 2

dL friction = 2gd
the velocity increase due to gas expansion has an

exponential effect on the frictional pressure term. This
accounts for the increase in the frictional gradient along the
flowline and the curvature in the pressure profile plot.
NOTE: The viscosity of the gas increases slightly with
increasing temperature, but this effect is small and
does little to offset the effects of decreasing density.

5. Open the output file (*.out) in one of three ways.

Click the Output File button from within the Operations
(Pressure/Temperature Profiles) dialog.
OR
Select Reports > Output File.
OR
Click the Output file icon on the toolbar.
By default, the output file contains the information for the first
case only. (T = 60 degF).
6. Report all sensitivity cases.
a. Select Setup > Define Output.
b. Ensure that options are selected, as shown in the figure.
c. Set the number of cases to print to 3.

7. Re-run the operation.

TIP: If you do not change the operation or alter any of the
parameters within the Operations menu, you can run
the simulation by clicking Run .
8. Open the output report to view the results of the three

sensitivity cases.
By default, Output file reports a large segment interval for
reporting purposes even though the actual calculations are
performed at smaller segments. These finer segments can
be reported by configuring the output.
9. To add segment data to your report, select Setup > Define
Output.
10. Check the Segment Data in the Primary Output option.
11. Re-run the operation.

12. Open the output file and observe that additional segments
have been inserted.
NOTE: By default, PIPESIM performs the pressure drop

calculation for each of those additional segments to
obtain precise averaged values of properties, such
as liquid holdup or velocities at the main nodes.
13. Save the model as M2_L1_Ex2_Multicase.bps.

Exercise 3 Calculating Gas Deliverability
For most of the operations in PIPESIM, there are three operating

parameters that define the flow through the system.
Inlet pressure
Outlet pressure
Flow rate.
You must define one of these parameters as the Calculated
Variable and supply the values of the remaining parameters for
the PIPESIM engine to calculate unknown/calculated variable.
PIPESIM always performs calculations in the direction of flow.

When the outlet pressure is calculated (as in the previous
examples), the solution is non-iterative in that the outlet pressure
is calculated during the first (and only) pressure traverse
calculation.
When outlet pressure is specified and either the inlet or the flow
rates are calculated, the process becomes iterative. Successive
estimates of the calculated variable are supplied until the
calculated outlet pressure agrees with the specified pressure.
In the previous exercise, you calculated the outlet pressure given

a known inlet pressure and flow rate. You will now specify known
inlet and outlet pressures and calculate the corresponding gas
flow rate.
1. Modify the Pressure and Temperature Profile interface.

a. Set Gas Rate as the Calculated Variable.
b. Set an operating Outlet Pressure of 600 psia.
c. Remove sensitivity data, if any.

2. On the Setup > Define Output menu:

a. Uncheck the box labeled Segment Data in Primary
Output.
b. Check the box labeled Iteration Progress Log.
c. Reset the number of cases to 1.
3. Select Operations > Pressure/Temperature Profile.

4. Click Run Model.

5. Inspect the pressure profile plot upon completion of the run.
6. Inspect the pressure profile plot and summary file to report

the parameters in the table.
Parameter Result
Gas Flowrate (MMscf/d)
Pfrictional (psi)
Pelevational (psi)
Ptotal (psi)

7. Inspect the Iteration Data under the Output file to see the
iteration steps.
8. Save the model as M2_L1_Ex3_GasDelivery.bps.

Lesson 2 Multiphase Flow Calculations
While pressure losses in single-phase flow in pipes have long

been accurately modeled with familiar expressions such as the
Bernoulli equation, accurate predictions of pressure loss in two-
phase flow have proven to be more challenging because of added
complexities.
The lower density and viscosity of the gas phase causes it to flow
at a higher velocity relative to the liquid phase, a characteristic
known as slippage. Consequently, the associated frictional
pressure losses result from shear stresses encountered at the
gas/liquid interface as well as along the pipe wall.
Additionally, the highly compressible gas phase expands as the

pressure decreases along the flow path.
Further complicating matters are the variety of physical phase

distributions that are characterized by flow regimes or flow
patterns (Figure 17 and Figure 18). The prevailing flow pattern for
a specific set of conditions depends on the relative magnitude of
the forces acting on the fluids.
Buoyancy, turbulence, inertia, and surface-tension forces are

greatly affected by the relative flow rates, viscosities, and
densities of a fluid, as well as the pipe diameter and inclination
angle. The complex dynamics of the flow pattern govern slippage
effects as well as variations in liquid holdup and pressure
gradient.

Figure 17 Multiphase flow regimes for horizontal flow
Figure 18 Multiphase flow regimes for vertical flow

Many empirical correlations and mechanistic models have been

proposed to predict liquid holdup and pressure loss. (Refer to the
PIPESIM help system for details). Some are very general, while
others apply to only a narrow range of conditions. Many of these
approaches begin with a prediction of the flow pattern, with each
flow pattern having an associated method of predicting liquid
holdup.
Because the gas travels faster in steady-state flow, it will occupy

less pipe volume. The fraction of pipe volume occupied by the
liquid is called the liquid holdup and is illustrated in Figure 19.
Liquid holdup is generally the most important parameter in

calculating pressure loss. Liquid holdup is also necessary to
predict hydrate formation and wax deposition, and to estimate the
liquid volume expelled during pigging operations for sizing slug
catchers. The liquid holdup prediction is used to determine a two-
phase friction factor from which a pressure gradient is calculated.
Figure 19 Liquid Holdup

Exercise 1 Modeling a Multiphase Pipeline
The previous exercises explored single-phase flow of water and

gas through a pipeline. In this exercise, you modify the existing
pipeline model and explore multiphase flow.
1. Insert Report Tool at the beginning and end of the

flowline, as shown.
2. Click on the flowline to highlight the object and drag the tip
connected to the source to the first Report icon.
3. Release the mouse button when the arrow is on top of the

Report Tool icon and the flowline turns yellow.
4. Repeat Step 3 for the second Report Tool icon.
5. Click Connector and connect the first Report Tool to the

Source icon.

6. Select the Boundary node and press the Delete key. Your
model should now displays as shown:
7. Double-click on each of the Report Tool icons and enter the

data shown in the figure.
8. Double-click on the Flowline and click the Heat Transfer tab.

9. Choose the typical Heat Transfer Coefficient value for bare

pipe exposed to air, as shown in the figure.
10. Select Setup > Black Oil and specify the fluid properties.

11. From the Setup > Flow Correlations menu, choose Beggs
& Brill Revised, Taitel-Dukler map for the horizontal flow
correlation and Hagedorn & Brown for the vertical flow
correlation.
NOTE: Observe that the Swap angle is set to 45. This is the
angle that corresponds to the switch between use of
the vertical and horizontal flow correlation. In this
example, the pipeline inclination angle is about 3,
which means that only the horizontal flow correlation
is used.

12. Double-click on Source_1 and change the pressure to 4800

psia.
13. Select Operations > Pressure Temperature Profiles.

14. Enter the information shown in the figure.
NOTE: The pressure drop is calculated using the Moody
correlation (default single-phase correlation) and the
Beggs & Brill Revised correlation, depending on the
phases present. The results from the Taitel-Dukler
Flow Regime map are reported and influence the
pressure drop calculations performed by the Beggs &
Brill Revised correlation.

15. Run the model and observe the pressure profile plot.
16. Inspect the pressure profile plot and summary file to report
the parameters in the table.
Parameter Result
Gas Flowrate (MMscf/d)
Liquid Flowrate (STB/day)
Pfrictional (psi)
Pelevational (psi)
Ptotal (psi)

17. From the Reports menu, open the output file. The primary
output section of the output file displays.
Notice that the flow is initially single-phase liquid until the

pressure falls below the bubblepoint upon which two-phase
oil-gas flow is present.

The single-phase Moody correlation is used in the first part of

the pipe and the Beggs & Brill multiphase correlation is used
in the second part of the pipe after the pressure falls below
the bubblepoint.
18. Scroll down to view the Auxiliary output. The liquid holdup
values can be seen.

NOTE: To view the graphics and output in SI or Custom

units, specify the units via the Setup > Units
option and re-run the model.
19. Review the spot reports in the output file, as shown in

Figure 20 and Figure 21.
Figure 20 Flow regime map from Spot report

Figure 21 Spot report
NOTE: The flow regime map can also be viewed in PsPlot by

selecting Reports > Flow Regime Map.
20. Save the model as M2_L2_Ex1_MultiphaseFlow.bps.

Review Questions
Which types of pressure drop contributions are reported by
PIPESIM in output file (by default)?
What is the default single-phase flow correlation in
PIPESIM?
How do you describe a Black Oil fluid model for a dry gas or
a gas-water system?
What are the complexities associated with multiphase flow?
Summary
In this module, you learned about:
building the physical model in PIPESIM
creating a Black Oil fluid model
choosing flow correlations
performing single branch operations with sensitivity
configuring output results for PIPESIM
generating a spot report at any point in the system
viewing and analyzing results.

NOTES

NOTES

Schlumberger Working with Compositional Fluids
Module 3 Working with

Compositional Fluids
Unlike Black Oil fluids, which are based on the assumption that
constituents of individual phases remain constants throughout the
system, compositional fluid modeling involves a detailed flash at
in-situ conditions to accurately predict the constituent and
properties of phases. This yields more reliable results for the
flowing system.
Within compositional fluid models, you can specify many

components that make up the fluid. These can be real molecules,
such as methane, ethane, or water, known as library components
or pseudo components that represent the properties of several
molecules, known as petroleum fractions.
The phase behavior and thermodynamic properties are

determined by an equation of state (EOS). This equation of state
is either a cubic equation (a modified form of the Van der Waals
equation) or a non-cubic equation. The number of phases that can
be modeled depends on the flash package.
Learning Objectives
build a Compositional Fluid model in PIPESIM

generate and analyze phase envelope
determine water saturation at reservoir condition
perform GLR and water-cut matching
fluid mixing: analyze the impact of Methanol injection on
hydrate
generate a pressure, volume, and temperature (PVT) file
create an MFL file using Multiflash Standalone.

Working with Compositional Fluids Schlumberger
Lesson 1 Compositional Fluid Modeling
PIPESIM offers full compositional fluid modeling as an alternative

to the Black Oil model.
Compositional fluid modeling is generally regarded as more

accurate, especially for wet gas, condensate, and volatile oil
systems. However, detailed compositional data are less frequently
available to a production engineer.
PIPESIM currently has access to two compositional PVT

Frameworks that provide several PVT flash packages.
Original PIPESIM PVT Framework:
SIS Flash*, developed by Schlumberger. This has a subset

of Equation of State packages used by other Schlumberger
products, such as ECLIPSE Compositional*, PVTi*, VFPi*,
and others.
NOTE: SIS Flash has been deprecated in PIPESIM 2011.1.
It is recommended that you use ECLIPSE 300 Flash
instead.
Multiflash, a third-party compositional package (InfoChem).
New PVT Toolbox Framework (available since PIPESIM

2010.1):
ECLIPSE 300 Flash, a new interface to ECLIPSE, is a two-

phase flash that allows additional Equations of State.
DBR Flash*, two-phase flash developed by the
Schlumberger DBR Technology Center. It has a more
extensive components library than ECLIPSE Flash.
NIST Refprop v8 Flash*, a two-phase flash using HelmHoltz
Equation of State.
GERG 2008 Flash*.

Equations of State (EoS)

Equations of State describe the pressure, volume, and
temperature (PVT) behavior of pure components and mixtures.
Most thermodynamic and transport properties, which are functions
of pressure and temperature, are derived from Equations of State.
One of the simplest Equations of State for this purpose is the ideal
gas law, PV=nRT, This is roughly accurate for gases at low
pressures and low temperatures.
NOTE: The Black Oil model uses this equation along with a
compressibility factor (z) to account for non-ideal
behavior.
This equation becomes increasingly inaccurate at higher

pressures and temperatures and it fails to predict condensation
from a gas to a liquid. As a result, much more accurate Equations
of State have been developed for gases and liquids.
These Equations of State are available in PIPESIM.
SIS Flash 2-Parameter Peng-Robinson
3-Parameter Peng-Robinson
2-Parameter Peng-Robinson (advanced)
3-Parameter Peng-Robinson (advanced).

Multiflash Standard Peng-Robinson
Advanced Peng-Robinson
Standard Soave-Redlich-Kwong (SRK)
Advanced Soave-Redlich-Kwong (SRK)
Benedict-Webb-Rubin-Starling (BWRS)
Association (CPA).
DBR Flash Peng-Robinson (with/without Volume Shift)
Soave-Redlich-Kwong (with/without Volume

Shift Correction).

ECLIPSE 300 Peng-Robinson (with/without Volume Shift +

Flash Accentric Factor Correction)
Soave-Redlich-Kwong (with/without Volume

Shift Correction).
NIST Refprop HelmHoltz Equation of State
Flash
GERG 2008 GERG 2008
Flash
Viscosity
Compositional fluid models also use Viscosity models based on corresponding
EOS theory. There are three available Viscosity models, depending on the flash
package you select.
Pederson (default)
Lohrenz-Bray-Clark (LBC)
Aasberg-Petersen.
Comparative testing has shown the Pedersen method to be the
most widely applicable and accurate for oil and gas viscosity
predictions. Multiflash uses the Pedersen method as the default
viscosity model; there is an option available to choose the LBC
model for backward compatibility.
The Equation of State you choose (Figure 22) has a large effect
on the viscosities predicted by these methods. The LBC method is
more sensitive to Equation of State effects than the Pedersen
method.
Figure 22 Selecting the default Viscosity option

Binary Interaction Parameter (BIP) Set

Binary interaction parameters (BIPs) are adjustable factors used
to alter the predictions from a model until the predictions match
experimental data as closely as possible.
BIPs are usually generated by fitting experimental VLE or LLE

data to the model in question (Figure 23). BIPs apply between
pairs of components, although the fitting procedure can be based
on both binary and multi-component phase equilibrium
information.
Figure 23 Selecting a BIP in the Compositional Properties

window
Emulsion Viscosities
An emulsion is a mixture of two immiscible liquid phases. One
phase (the dispersed phase) is carried as droplets in the other
(the continuous phase). In oil/water systems at low water cuts, oil
is usually the continuous phase.
As water cut is increased, there comes a point at which phase

inversion occurs and water becomes the continuous phase. This is
the Critical Water cut of Phase Inversion, otherwise named the
cutoff, which occurs typically between 55% and 70% water cut.
The viscosity of the mixture is usually highest at, and just below,
the cutoff.
Emulsion viscosities can be many times higher than the viscosity

of either phase alone.

Three mixing rules have been implemented that are identical to

the options currently available in the Black Oil section (Figure 24).
Set to oil viscosity

Volume ratio of oil and water viscosities
Woelflin, which uses Woelflin correlation at water cut less
than, or equal to, CUTOFF and water viscosity at water cut
greater than CUTOFF.
Figure 24 Mixing options
Defining Water or Aqueous Components

PIPESIM offers multiple ways to add water or aqueous
components to fluid composition.
Add water as Mole: This is the simplest and the default

option in PIPESIM.
Add water as Mass (lb or kg): Water or aqueous
components added as mass can be converted to equivalent
moles.
0.2 kg of Water = 200 g of Water 200 g / 18(g/mole)
11.11 moles
2 lb of water = 908 g of water 908 g / 18(g/mole) 50.44
moles
Add Water as Volume Ratio (bbl/bbl): A stock tank flash of
water-free composition determines the volume of
hydrocarbon liquid present (in mmscf).

Calculate the amount of water vapor that will saturate in the

vapor phase (using Raoult's law, a simple approximation of
the component distribution in vapor and liquid phase). This
gives the moles of water evaporated.
From the volume of hydrocarbon liquid obtained and the

user-specified volume ratio, the volume of free water can be
obtained.
From this
where, MW is the molecular weight of water and the density

refers to a standard condition.
From the number of moles of water evaporated, obtained

above, the total moles of water present in the composition
can now be obtained.
If the aqueous component is not pure water (e.g., a methanol-

water mixture), the properties of the entire aqueous phase is
used in the equations.
NOTE: The specified volumetric quantity (bbl/bbl) refers only to

the free aqueous content of the composition and not to
the evaporated quantity. For water, the evaporated
quantity is small but for highly volatile components, such
as methanol, this can be substantial.
Add water as WGR (bbl/mmscf): A stock tank flash of

water-free composition is performed to determine volume of
dry gas present (in mmscf). Multiplying this volume by user
specified WGR gives the volume of water from which the
amount in moles can be obtained.

Exercise 1 Defining and Analyzing a PIPESIM

Compositional Model
PIPESIM allows single or multiple fluids in the same model,

whether it is a single branch model or a network model. While it is
obvious to have multiple fluids in a network model, there are
several cases of single branch models also using multiple fluids.
For example:
A single branch multilayer well model with each layer
connected to different fluid sources.
Chemical injection using fluid injection anywhere in a single
branch model.
To accommodate multiple fluids in the same model, PIPESIM
uses the concept of fluid template that allows you to define the
flash package calculation methods and develop a comprehensive
list of components for use in the models (Table 4).
Table 4: Components to be used in Models
Main Fluid InjectionFluid
Component (Mole %) (Mol %)
Nitrogen 0.10
H2S 0.10
Carbon Dioxide 1.20
Methane 77.40
Ethane 7.80
Propane 4.50
Iso-Butane 2.30
Butane 1.30
Iso-Pentane 0.84
Pentane 1.00
Hexane 0.80
Heptane 0.80
Water 1.20
Methanol 100
C7+ (Pet. Fraction) 0.50
C7++ (Pet. Fraction) 0.20

Table 5: Petroleum Fraction Characteristics

Petroleum Boiling Point Molecular Specific
Fraction (degF) Weight Gravity
C7+ 288 107 0.79
C7++ 312 112 0.98
Defining the Physical PIPESIM Model

1. Open the model named M2_L2_Ex1_MultiphaseFlow.bps.
2. Modify the model by replacing the first report tool.
a. Click Injection Points ..

b. Rename the point Injector.
The model configuration should look like the model in the
diagram.
3. Add Injection data for the injectors as Liquid Rate of 100

STB/day and Injection Temperature of 100 degF.

4. Modify the End Node Report tool, as shown in the figure.
5. Specify the conditions as Source_1 as 45800 psia and 120

degF.
6. Save the model as
M3_L1_Ex1_CompositionalFluid.bps.
Developing a Global Template for Compositional Fluid

1. Open the Compositional Template Properties interface by
selecting Setup > Compositional Template.

2. Set PIPESIM as PVT Framework and Multiflash as PVT

Package for the template. These selections will apply to all
fluids in the model.
3. Create a template of components by adding the combined

list of all the database components and petroleum fractions
that define the three fluid types for this case.
4. Add the library component.
a. On the Component Selection tab, highlight a component
or press Ctrl + Click to highlight multiple components.
b. Click Add to add your selections to the list of components.
5. Add the Petroleum Fraction.
6. Specify the name of a Petroleum Fraction and its associated
properties.
7. Choose Petroleum Fractions by highlighting their row

headers and clicking Add to Composition.

This adds the Petroleum Fractions as list of components on

the Component Selection tab.
8. Define the Property Model (Equation of State, BIP Set, etc.)

for the Template Fluid on the Property Model tab.
Use the option Use Template Model for all fluids.
9. Click OK to exit the Template Fluid interface.

Defining Compositional Fluid for the Model

1. Open the Compositional Properties interface by selecting
Setup > Compositional (local default).
2. Specify mole (%) for the Main Fluid as the default

compositional fluid.
3. Generate a Phase Envelope of the fluid.
4. Locate the Critical Point.
5. Note these values:

Critical Point Pressure______ psia
Critical Point Temperature _____ degF

Looking at the Phase Envelope, list the phases present at

the pressure and temperature conditions noted in the table.
List of Phases: Hydrocarbon Liquid, Gas, Water, Water

(Vapor), Hydrate, Ice.
Pressure Temperature List of phases present

(psia) (degF) (comma separated)
2400 -160
800 30
1400 200
800 240
6. Perform a PT Flash at the pressure and temperature

conditions listed in Step 5 to confirm the phases are
consistent with the phase envelope plot.
Record the phase ratio in the table.
NOTE: Exclude Solid phases such as ice, hydrate, etc.
Pressure Temperature GOR Water Cut

(psia) (degF) (scf/bbl) (%)
2400 -160
800 30
1400 200
800 240
Does the flash confirm the phases shown in the Phase

Envelope plot?
7. Click Export.
8. Save the fluid as Main Fluid.pvt.

Defining the Local Compositions for Injectors

1. Right-click on Injector and select Data.
2. Click Edit Composition.

3. Specify mole (%) corresponding to Injection Fluid.
4. Click Export.
5. Save the fluid as Injection_Fluid.pvt.
6. Generate a Phase Envelope.
7. Save the model.

Lesson 2 Flashing Options and

Compositional Tuning
Flash calculations are an integral part of all reservoir and process

engineering calculations. They are required whenever it is
desirable to know the amounts (in moles) of hydrocarbon liquid
and gas coexisting in a reservoir or a vessel at a given pressure
and temperature.
These calculations also are performed to determine the

composition of the existing hydrocarbon phases.
Given the overall composition of a hydrocarbon system at a

specified pressure and temperature, flash calculations can
determine four factors:
Moles of the gas phase

Moles of the liquid phase
Composition of the liquid phase
Composition of the gas phase.
The Compositional module uses inline flashing (PVT tables with
built-in memory) as the default mode of compositional simulation.
For inline flashing, PIPESIM has three options: Interpolation,
Interpolation when close to phase boundary, and Rigorous
(Figure 25).
Interpolation To maximize the speed of the simulation, not

all requested pressure/temperature points
are flashed. A P/T grid is defined and only
these points are created.
For points not lying exactly on a grid point,

four-point interpolation is used. The default
grid points can be changed by means of the
Compositional option.
This is the fastest method, but the least

accurate.

Interpolation For a case in which one or more of the four

when close to points used for the interpolation is in a
a Phase different phase, a full flash is performed and
Boundary the data point is added to the table.
This improves accuracy, but at the cost of

speed.
Rigorous A full flash is always performed. Very
accurate, but slow!
Figure 25 Flashing options

Flash Calculations at Compositional Interface

The PIPESIM Compositional interface allows you to perform
flash calculations for the current composition at specified pressure
and temperature conditions. There are options for single point
flash calculation as well as multistage separation, depending on
the selected PVT Framework and package.
Procedure 1 Single Point Flash
1. Select Setup > Compositional > Flash/Separation.

2. Select the Flash type as PT.
3. Enter the (PT) conditions.
4. Click Perform Flash.
The results are displayed in a spreadsheet that can be copy/
pasted (Ctrl + C/Ctrl + V) to other applications.
Procedure 2 Multistage Separation
Multistage separation (Figure 26) allows the input of pressure and

temperature conditions at multistage liquid-vapor separation
levels with a final gas separation stage used to flush out any
remaining liquid in the gas stream. Each separator operates at
100% efficiency because the two exit streams from each stage
are pure liquid and vapor.
Figure 26 Multistage flash

To perform a Multistage separation:
1. Select Setup > Compositional > Flash/Separation.

2. Set the Flash type as Separation.
3. Enter the (PT) conditions for multiple liquid separation stages
and the final gas stage.
The component mole fraction (in percentages) and fluid
properties of the specified liquid stage are displayed.
5. Calculate the properties of the fluid at the final exit streams

(liquid and gas).
a. Enter a liquid stage of 0.
b. Click Perform Flash.
OR
a. Enter a liquid stage of 1 to n.

b. Click Perform Flash.
c. Click Final Stage.
6. Display a specific stage exit stream: liquid, gas, or final.
To display the liquid stage, enter the liquid stage number (1,
2 ...n) and click Liquid Stage. The mole fraction and fluid
properties for the liquid stage exit stream displays.
To display the gas stage, click Gas Stage. The mole
fraction and fluid properties for the gas stage exit stream
display.
To display the final stage, click Final Stage. The mole
fraction and fluid properties for final gas and final liquid exit
streams display.
Procedure 3 GLR and Water Cut Matching
GLR and Water Cut matching allow you to tune the composition to
match phase ratios obtained from well test data.
1. Select Setup > Compositional > GLR.

2. Specify the measured value of water cut.
3. Specify the value of GLR (LGR, GOR. or OGR).

4. Specify the P and T conditions at which the water cut and

GLR occurred.
5. Click Perform Calculation. Tuned composition in the
Calculated Flow column displays in the Result table.
6. Click Update Component List to update the mole fraction of
components in the Component Selection table.
Exercise 1 Calculating Compositional Flash
A PIPESIM Compositional flash calculation can accomplish

several tasks and the results can be used for multiple
applications. You will perform several tasks in the exercises that
follow.
Determine FEED quality for a proposed surface equipment.

Perform Multistage Separation and display properties at a
given stage.
Determine saturation water content for a gas stage at given
PT conditions.
Perform compositional tuning to match field data (GOR and
Water Cut).
Estimating FEED Quality for Equipment Design

1. Continue with he previous model
M3_L1_Ex1_CompositionalFluid.bps.
2. For this task, assume that new equipment will be installed in
a facility at a proposed inlet condition of 600 psia and 120
degF. Your goal is to determine the basic FEED properties for
the proposed equipment sizing.
3. Open the local composition by selecting Setup >
Compositional (local default).
4. On the Flash/Separation tab, set the Flash type as PT.
5. Specify the conditions shown in the figure.


7. Record the following basic properties for the FEED:
Parameter Result
Number of Phases Present
Gas Oil Ratio (scf/bbl)
Water Cut (%)
Liquid Phase Density (lb/ft3)
Gas Phase Density (lb/ft3)
Are there any impurities in gas phase (CO2, H2S, etc.)?
Performing Multistage Separation Flash to Determine

Properties at a Given Stage
For this task, assume that multiphase fluid (Main_Fluid) is
processed through three liquid separators in series. The
separators are set at the pressure and temperature conditions
noted inTable 6.
All of the separators are working at 100% efficiency (i.e., all the
free gas is removed from liquid). Gases removed from all stages
are combined and processed further in a Gas separator.
Table 6: Pressure and Temperature Settings of
Separators
Operating Temp Operating
Separation (degF) Pressure (psia)
Liquid Stage 1 10 2400
Gas Stage 80 500

To estimate fluid properties at various stages:
1. On the Flash/Separation tab, set Flash type as Separation.

2. Specify conditions for multistage separation, as shown in the
figure.
3. Set appropriate liquid stage (0 or 1 to 3) and click Perform

Flash. Get the following flash results.
Number Gas Oil

of Ratio Water
Stream Phases (scf/bbl) Cut (%) Hint
FEED Click final stage
Liquid Click Liquid Stage
Stage 2 after putting the
stage no = 2
Is there condensate dropping out of gas separator?

What are the top 3 constituents in the condensate stream?
4. Save the model as M3_L2_CompositionalFlash.bps.
Determining Water Saturation for the Gas Phase

Often, gas sampling is done at the end of all separators after most
(if not all) of the water has been removed from the fluid. In a
reservoir with gas-water contact, the gas that produced from
above the gas-water contact will have water content in the form of
vapor.
Eventually, this water will drop out as the pressure and

temperature conditions change in the wellbore and may cause
issues such as liquid loading in the wellbore.

As a result, it is important to know the saturation water content of

gas entering the wellbore.
In this exercise, you will determine the saturation water content for
the main fluid, assuming the reservoir conditions are 2,500 psia
and 200 degF.
1. Open the local composition by selecting Setup >

Compositional (local default).
2. Click Import to import Main Fluid.pvt.
NOTE: This fluid has some water, which may or may not be
sufficient to saturate the vapor phase. This can be
easily confirmed by performing a P-T Flash at given
reservoir conditions. If the flash result shows water
present in both the vapor and aqueous phases, gas
is water saturated. Otherwise, try a higher mole (%)
of water.
3. On the Flash/Separation tab, set Flash type as PT.

4. Specify pressure and temperature conditions that correspond
to the reservoir.

6. Analyze the results and answer these questions.
Is Main_Fluid water saturated at reservoir conditions?
What is the mole (%) of water in the vapor phase?
NOTE: Looking at the compositional phase distribution: A
positive value of water in the Aqueous/Oil2 phase
indicates excess water after the gas phase is fully
saturated with water vapor. Therefore, a mole fraction
in the vapor phase represents the water saturated gas
at reservoir conditions.

7. Update the mole (%) of components on the Component

Selection tab with that of the vapor phase.
8. Perform another PT flash to confirm the absence of a liquid

phase at reservoir conditions.
9. Export the updated fluid as Water
Saturated_Vapor.pvt.
10. Save the model.
Matching GLR and Water Cut

Well test data for the well joining the flowline indicates the
following conditions:
Pressure: 500 psia

Temperature: 80 degF
Gas-Oil ratio: 30,000 scf/bbl
Water cut: 2%.

To match these data and tune the composition:
1. On the Component Selection tab, import Main_Fluid A.pvt.

2. On the GLR tab, specify the measured conditions shown in
the figure.
3. Click Perform Calculation to display the tuned composition

in the Calculated Flow column.
4. Click Update component list to update the composition.
5. Confirm data matching is successful by answering affirmative
to these questions.
Does the Component Selection tab update the mole
fraction to match the Calculated Flow column?
Does the PT flash for matched composition at the
measured test PT conditions return a measured GOR and
water cut?
6. Export the fluid as Matched_Fluid.pvt.
7. Save the model.

Lesson 3 Hydrate Prediction and

Prevention
A detailed discussion on Hydrate and various methods to prevent

hydrate formation is presented later in the training. In this section,
the primary focus is screening for Hydrate and determining the
quantity of methanol required to prevent hydrate formation.
Procedure 1 Screening for Hydrate (Phase

Envelope)
1. Configure any single branch PIPESIM model with a Report

tool inserted anywhere on the branch.
2. Ensure phase envelope is checked.
3. Perform typical PIPESIM operations that generate a
Pressure-Temperature profile (e.g., P-T Profile, System
Analysis, Nodal Analysis, etc.).
4. Open a profile plot and reconfigure it to show a plot of
Temperature (X-axis) vs. Pressure (Y-axis).
5. The plot will show a flow profile superimposed over a phase
envelope.
6. Review and analyze the plot.
7. Any part of the flow profile falling to the left of the hydrate line
indicates possible hydrate formation.
8. Identify pressure-temperature data at the point at which the
flow profile intersects the hydrate line and use that pressure
temperature value.
9. Looking at the pressure/temperature vs. distance plot, locate
the point in the system where hydrate formation starts.
NOTE: This screening process can be applied to one or
more branches of a network model. Insert Report
tools in these branches and review a profile plot after
the network simulation is complete. A temperature
(X-axis) vs. pressure (Y-axis) plot for the selected
branch generates a profile plot superimposed over a
phase diagram.

Procedure 2 Screening for Hydrate (Subcooling

Calculation)
1. Configure any single branch PIPESIM model to report the

Hydrate Subcooling result.
a. Select Setup > Heat Transfer Options.
a. Check Enable Hydrate Subcooling Calculation.
2. Run PIPESIM operations (Pressure-Temperature profile,
System analysis, or any variation of these).
3. Generate the desired result for analysis.
For a typical profile plot, these are usually the variables of
interest.
Fluid Temperature
Hydrate Formation Temperature
Hydrate Sub-cooling Delta Temperature
For a typical system plot, the variable of interest usually is
the Maximum Hydrate Sub-cooling Delta Temperature.
4. Identify pressure-temperature data at the point in the system
where a positive value of hydrate subcooling temperature is
reported.
This is the point in the system where hydrate formation
starts.
NOTE: For a network model, hydrate sub-cooling calculations

can be set for individual branches (under branch level
setup) or the entire network (under network level setup).
For the entire network, click the Option Control tab and
select Setup > Heat Transfer Options to use the
network options.
Procedure 3 Preventing Hydrate using Methanol

Injection
Having identified the location in the system where hydrate

formation occurs, it is easy to insert a fluid injection tool at the
nearest node/junction upstream to that point. However, the
change in operating conditions may invalidate the location of

methanol injection due to a change in the pressure-temperature

distribution in the system.
NOTE: This procedure is only a guideline.
1. Screen for hydrate using one of the variables listed in

Procedure 2, for all possible operating scenarios.
2. For each operating scenario, identify the location at which
the fluid temperature falls below hydrate formation
temperature.
3. For a typical production system in which fluid temperature is
higher than the ambient temperature, there is a positive heat
transfer from fluid to the outside environment. This results in
a temperature drop in the direction of the flow. Because of
this, the fluid injector should be installed at a location before
the temperature falls below the hydrate formation
temperature.
From all the locations identified in Step 1, pick the one that is
closest to the flow source.
4. Configure the fluid injector with an arbitrary quantity of

methanol at a given injection temperature.
5. To determine the quantity of methanol injection required for a
given operating condition, run the PIPESIM Pressure-
Temperature Profile or System Analysis operation while
sensitizing over the quantity of methanol injection.
Profile or System plots will be generated.
6. Using one of the following analysis methods, analyze the

results to determine the required quantity of methanol
injection.
Method 1
a. From a Profile plot (distance vs. hydrate subcooling delta

temperature), identify all the cases that show no hydrate
subcooling.
b. From these cases, pick one with the lowest quantity of
methanol injection.
Method 2
a. Create a Superimposed plot of profile data over a phase

envelope.

b. Determine if the hydrate line shifts towards the left as the

quantity of methanol injection increases.
c. Pick the right-most hydrate curve that does not intersect
the corresponding profile plot.
Method 3
a. Create a System plot showing methanol injection rate vs.

maximum hydrate subcooling delta temperature.
b. Pick the lowest methanol injection rate that shows no
hydrate subcooling delta temperature.
Exercise 1 Predicting and Preventing Hydrate
In this exercise, you will screen for hydrates and determine the
location and quantity of methanol injection to prevent hydrate
formation in the system.
The system is designed to produce 20 mmscfd of gas under

normal operating conditions, which could reach 30 mmscfd under
peak consumption.
In this exercise, you will use the model

M3_L1_Ex1_CompositionalFluid.bps from a previous exercise.
Setting up the Model

1. Select Setup > Compositional (local default) >
Component Selection (tab).
2. Import the matched fluid named Matched_Fluid.pvt.
3. Select Setup > Heat Transfer Options.
4. Check the box for the option Enable Hydrate Subcooling
Calculation.

5. Right-click on Injector and select Active to deactivate the Injector.
6. Select Setup > Define Output.

7. Specify the number of cases to print as 2.
8. Save the model as M3_L3_Ex1_HydrateScreening.bps.
Screening for Hydrate

1. Perform a Pressure Temperature Profile operation to
calculate the outlet pressure while sensitizing on given gas
flow rates.
2. Modify the profile plot to superimpose the phase envelope.
a. Change the X-axis on the profile plot to show
Temperature.

b. Change the Y-axis to show Pressure.
3. Review the superimposed plot and the output plot to screen

for Hydrate.
Hydrate Approx distance from the

Issue Source where Hydrate
Operating Condition (Yes/No) formation starts, (ft)
Gas Rate = 20 mmscfd
TIP: Hydrate issues can be confirmed by looking at the position

of the production profile superimposed on the phase
envelope. Any part of the production profile to the left of the
hydrate line indicates Hydrate.

4. An alternate way of identifying hydrate issues is to plot the

Hydrate sub-cooling delta temperature against distance.
Plot the hydrate sub-cooling delta temperature (Y-axis)
against the total distance (X-axis) and record the results.
Maximum Hydrate Subcooling Delta

Operating Condition Temperature, (F)
NOTE: The hydrate sub-cooling delta temperature is the

difference between the hydrate formation temperature
and the flowing fluid temperature. A positive value
indicates the flowing fluid temperature is below the
hydrate formation temperature. Maximum Hydrate
subcooling is directly reported on a system plot as well
as in the output file.
5. Review both operating scenarios and identify the location

where the methanol injector will be placed.
Where would you install the methanol Injector?

Determining Hydrate Mitigation

1. Right-click on Injector and select Active to activate the
Injector.
Keep the Injector properties unchanged.
2. Perform a System Analysis to calculate Outlet Pressure for

all operating conditions while varying the methanol injection
rate for all operating gas rates, as shown in the figure.

3. Modify the system plot to show Injector Rate (X-axis) vs.

Maximum Hydrate Subcooling DT (Y-axis).
4. Analyze the plot and data set and report the minimum
injection rate of methanol needed to prevent hydrate for each
operating condition.
TIP: Pick the lowest quantity of methanol injection that does not
report a positive hydrate sub-cooling DT.
Minimum quantity of Methanol required to

Operating Condition prevent Hydrate; (STB/day)
Review Questions
What flash packages are available in PIPESIM? What are
the options available for modeling fluid and transport
properties?
What flash calculations are available in PIPESIM? How are
they used in general production engineering analysis?

Summary
generating compositional fluid models

generating a phase envelope
performing a variety of flashes in PIPESIM to estimate fluid
properties
tuning compositional fluid based on measured phase ratio
obtained from well test
determining water saturation of gaseous fluid at reservoir
conditions
exporting composition fluid as a PVT file
superimposing a production profile over a phase envelope to
analyze system performance.
screening for Hydrate using several techniques
estimating the location and quantity of methanol injection to
prevent Hydrate.

NOTES

Schlumberger Slug Catcher Design
Module 4 Slug Catcher Design

Slug catchers may be required for a wide range of operating
situations, including single phase pipeline operation, wet gas
lines, multiphase lines, and dense phase lines.
NOTE: Wet gas lines generally include gas lines with a

condensation of hydrocarbons and water.
This module discusses the compositional and phase behavior

sensitivities in each of these environments and several other
parameters that impact slug catcher design.
Learning Objectives
perform sensitivities on composition heavy ends

sensitize on the pipeline ambient temperature
analyze the influence of the pipeline profile
analyze the influence of flow correlation selection
select and tune flow correlations abased on field
measurements
design slug catchers.
Lesson 1 Slug Catcher Modeling

Considerations
For most single-phase pipelines, slug catcher requirements are

minimal. In wet gas lines, slug catcher design volume is primarily
determined by the liquid condensation volume. Characterization of
the hexane-plus portion of the gas stream has an impact on the
predicted condensation volumes and liquid holdup. Good
characterization that matches a known separator, wellhead, or
reservoir condition is necessary for accurate calculations.
Table 8 identifies the impact of hexane-plus characterization on

predicted liquid volume for two characterization assumptions. A
variation in heavy end characterization can affect your ability to

Slug Catcher Design Schlumberger
estimate the potential pigging or holdup volumes. Depending on

volumes and the composition of a gas, this effect can be even
more significant.
Table 7: Composition Sensitivity
Daily Liquid Pressure

Production Liquid Hold Up Drop
C6+ Characterization (bbl/d) (bbl) & (%) (psig)
Characterization # 1 160 440 (avg 2.2%) 228
Light
Characterization #2 210 540 (avg 2.7%) 231
Heavy
The best approach for heavy end characterization is to obtain an

extended gas analysis or a true boiling point (TBP)
characterization of heavy ends.
Condensate gas ratios are often used to simplify pipeline

simulation calculations and compute holdup volumes. These
assumptions should be verified against actual operations or
Equations of State.
In multiphase lines, the characterization is equally important,

although use of a condensate gas ratio (CGR) or gas oil ratio
(GOR) may be adequate because the ratio will be relatively
constant throughout the line length.
Compositional design sensitivities, such as variance in CGR,

should be considered as well as the impact of a full compositional
model.
In dense phase designs, careful attention to the characterization is

needed to ensure the fluid stays outside the phase envelope at all
pipeline operating and shut-in conditions and to predict the
amount of condensation that may occur in these instances.
Vapor-Liquid equilibrium calculations at the top of the phase

envelope and near the critical point may be inaccurate. Variance
in the heavy-end characterization or composition should be
considered as a design sensitivity as well as the result of
operating temperature and pressure.

Exercise 1 Modeling Compositional

Sensitivity
In this exercise, you will evaluate the impact of compositional

variation on multiphase flow parameters and the overall system
results. You will compare the results and select the composition
you consider to be the worst case scenario of slug catcher design.
Building the Physical Model

1. Create a single branch model with a single pipe segment
connected to a source and a report tool at the end.
2. Specify the properties of gas source, as shown in the figure.

3. Specify flowline properties.
4. Specify heat transfer data for the flowline.

5. Check the phase envelope box in the report tool.

7. Define the calculation options, as shown.
8. Select Setup > Flow Correlations.

9. Choose Beggs & Brill Revised flow correlation for both
horizontal and vertical flow.
Keep other options set at their defaults.

Defining the Fluid Model

1. Select Setup > Compositional Template.
2. Select PIPESIM under PVT Framework.
3. Choose Multiflash in the PVT Package field.
4. Include the components in the Selected Components pane,
including C7+.
5. Configure the composition of C7+, as shown in the figure.

6. Select Setup > Compositional (local default).

7. Include the mole percentage for each component, as listed in
the table.
Component Mole (%)

Water 1.72
Methane 76.55
Ethane 7.85
Propane 3.44
Isobutane 1.18
Butane 1.47
Isopentane 0.79
Pentane 0.50
Hexane 0.50
C7+ 6.00
8. Save the model as M4_L1_Ex1_LightComposition.bps.
Performing a Pressure Temperature Profile Operation

1. Configure the Pressure/Temperature Profile using the
operating conditions shown in the figure.

2. In the Results table, record the values for the parameters

from the Profile Plot and Summary file.
Results: Light Composition

Inlet Pressure, (psia)
Liquid Holdup, (bbl)
Liquid by Sphere, (bbl)

Including Heavier Composition

1. Select Setup > Compositional (local default).
2. Include the component composition for a heavier fluid, as
listed in the table.
Component Mole (%)

Water 1.77
Methane 73.57
Ethane 6.00
Propane 2.94
Isobutane 0.98
Butane 0.98
Isopentane 0.98
Pentane 0.49
Hexane 0.49
C7+ 11.8
3. Save the model as M4_L1_Ex1_HeavyComposition.bps.

4. Repeat the process in the previous section, Performing a
Pressure Temperature Profile Operation, using the same
conditions as before
5. In the Results table, record the results from the Profile Plot
and Summary file.

Results: Heavy Composition

Comparing Light and Heavy Composition Plots

1. Select Report > Profile Plot to open the current profile plot
for the heavy composition case in PS Plot.
2. Select File > Append File.
3. Browse to the directory of the plot file for the lighter
composition M4_L1_Ex1_LightComposition.plc.
The light composition plot is in red; the heavy composition
plot is in blue.
Questions
These questions are for discussion and review.
Which composition generates more liquids? Why?

Which composition would you use for slug catcher design?

Exercise 2 Evaluating Heat Transfer

Sensitivity
The impact of heat transfer rate assumptions should be

considered in addition to composition sensitivity. These two
factors (characterization and pipeline temperature profile) impact
phase behavior and holdup volumes that, in turn, affect slug
catcher design.
When creating pipeline models in PIPESIM, it is common for

users to apply the default values of the GUI or to guess what the
values should be, assuming the values will not affect results. One
of the values that users guess most often is the ambient
temperature of flowlines.
For modeling, depending on the fluids being transported and the

objective of the model, it is necessary to sensitize the best and
worst case scenario for ambient temperature.
In this exercise, you will use the model saved from the previous
exercise, M4_L1_Ex1_HeavyComposition.bps.
Sensitizing Ambient Temperature

1. Double click on the flowline and change the ambient
temperature from 60 degF to 20 degF.

2. Save the model as M4_L1_Ex2_AmbTemp20F.bps.

3. Repeat Pressure Temperature Profile operation with the
same conditions for heavier composition.
4. Record the results from Profile Plot and Summary file.
Results: Ambient Temperature

Ambient T Ambient T
Parameters 60 degF 20 degF

5. On the profile plot, select File > Append to append plot file
from previous exercise, M4_L1_Ex1_HeavyComposition.plc,
for the selected case.
6. Change the Y-axis to display Liquid Holdup (%).
7. Superimpose the Profile plot on top of the Phase Envelope

by changing the X and Y axes to Temperature and Pressure,
respectively.
8. Zoom the plot to the desired level by drawing a rectangle
around the area with the mouse.

9. You will observe that by decreasing the ambient

temperature, the system profile line approaches the phase
envelope and crosses the Hydrate 2 line.
Exercise 3 Analyzing and Plotting Solutions of

Sensitivity with Profile Resolution
and Segmentation
For better accuracy in pipeline design and analysis, it is important

to define a flow path profile with higher resolution; this means
using distance and elevation data that were recorded at shorter
intervals. Often, these measurements are not available, and you
are forced to compromise with whatever data are available.
Another important factor in the design and analysis workflow is

frequency (interval) calculation. Typically, PIPESIM Solver breaks
the flow path into multiple small segments and calculates each
segment in the direction of flow.
Because pressure and temperature conditions can change as

fluid flows from one point to the next, there can be significant
changes in fluid properties and other variables as the fluid flows.
The more frequently changes are captured, the more accurate the
analysis. However, a higher capture frequency also means an
increase in solver time, which translates to increased
computational cost.

One of the challenges for a design and analysis engineer is to find

an optimum balance between solver time and the accuracy of
calculated result.
A good practice is to run the model with progressively sorter

segments to determine the minimum number of segments needed
to accurately model the system. As the system is divided further
than the minimum needed, the calculated parameters (pressure
drop, hold up, etc.) usually approach asymptote value.
The default segmentation performed by PIPESIM is good enough

to provide accurate results in most cases, eliminating the need to
force a segmentation setting. PIPESIM 2011.1 offers an optional
smart way of segmenting pipe based on the rate of changes in
several key parameters, such as pressure, temperature, enthalpy,
and reservoir fluid inflow. This is the gradient method and it
provides the most accurate results without compromising solver
time or unnecessarily increasing costs.
In this exercise, your analysis will limit the impact of profile

resolution on the result. The profile data you will use for these
cases are in a spreadsheet (M4_L1_Ex3_Profile.xls), supplied by
your instructor.

Case A: Analyzing Low-Resolution Solution

1. Open the model from the previous exercise,
M4_L1_Ex2_AmbTemp20F.bps.
2. Convert the flowline profile to show a detailed pipe
description.
3. Specify low-resolution data from the spreadsheet
M4_L1_Ex3_Profile.xls.

M4_L1_Ex3_LowResolutionProfile.bps.
5. Perform a Pressure Temperature Profile Operation, retaining
the conditions from the previous exercise.
6. Record the results from the Plot and Summary files in the
table of Case B..

Case B: Analyzing a High-Resolution Solution

1. Open the model you saved in the previous exercise,
M4_L1_Ex3_LowResolutionProfile.bps.
2. Change the flowline profile by specifying high-resolution data
from the appropriate sheet of M4_L1_Ex3_Profile.xls.
M4_L1_Ex3_HighResolutionProfile.bps.
4. Perform a Pressure Temperature Profile Operation, once
again retaining the same conditions.
5. Record the results and compare three cases.
Base Case with Simple Flowline Data (from Exercise 3)
Low-Resolution Case
High-Resolution Case.
Results: Impact of Flowline Profile Resolution

Base Case
(Previous Low- High-
Parameters 20 degF) Resolution Resolution
Inlet Pressure (psia)
Liquid Holdup (bbl)
Liquid by Sphere (bbl)
Comparing Plots
1. Append the three cases in the table of Step 5 from the
previous exercise to generate a Horizontal Position vs
Elevation plot.
a. Open the current high-resolution profile plot.
b. Select File > Append.
c. Add PLC files corresponding to other cases, one by one.
d. Change the X and Y axes to Horizontal Position and
Elevation, respectively.

2. Compare the Pressure Profile by changing the X and Y axes

to Total distance and Pressure, respectively.

3. Compare the Liquid holdup for all three cases by changing

the X and Y axes to Total distance and Liquid Holdup,
respectively.
Questions
These questions are for discussion and review.
Which case has higher pressure drop? Why?

Why is the holdup so sensitive to the line profile?
Lesson 2 Flow Correlations
A quote from a white paper delivered at the 2001 Gas Producers

Association (GPA) convention lays the foundation of why flow
correlations are important.1
Many computer programs are available for pipeline

simulation. The best programs will allow for utilizing
detailed compositional data, changing equation of state,
utilizing different correlations and modeling heat transfer
between the fluid, pipe wall and surroundings. Determine the
best program may be corporate decision that is ideally
made by calibrating the model to actual operations of similar
1. Russell P. Kimmitt, R. Bret Rhinesmith, Proven Methods for Design and Operation of Gas Plant Liquid Slug Catch-
ing Equipment, 80th Annual Convention Presentations, 2001

systems owned or operated by the corporation. By using

more than one program and more than one of the available
flow correlations, the designer can critique results and
estimate proper contingencies in the design. It is suggested
that if a correlation based model is used to simulate a system
(such as Beggs and Brill. Eaton or Baker) the model should
also be simulated using a mechanistic approach such as
Oliemans or OLGAS. The comparison of results will increase
confidence in the system design. In many cases the use of
dynamic pipeline simulation programs is recommended as a
subsequent step to model the impact transients on the
system.
PIPESIM provides many flow correlations for multiphase flow

through horizontal and vertical pipes.
Beggs & Brill

The original Beggs & Brill correlation calculates pressure loss and
uses either the BBO or the BJA correlation to calculate holdup.
Flow regime is determined by either the Beggs & Brill or Taitel
Dukler correlation.
The Beggs & Brill correlation was developed following a study of

two-phase flow in horizontal and inclined pipes. The correlation is
based on a flow regime map that, initially, was determined as if
the flow was horizontal. A horizontal holdup was calculated by
correlations and the result was corrected for the angle of
inclination.
The test system included two 90 foot acrylic pipes, winched to a

variable elevation in the middle to model incline flow both upwards
and downwards, at angles of up to 90.
The revised correlation is similar, but it is used with rough pipe

friction factors, holdup limits, and corrective constants as
proposed by Palmer and Payne.
Two enhancements to the original method are used.
An extra flow regime of froth flow is considered that assumes

a no-slip holdup.
The friction factor is changed from the standard smooth pipe
model to use a single-phase friction factor based on the
average fluid velocity.

Dukler (AGA) and Flanigan

The AGA and Flanigan correlation was developed for horizontal
and inclined two-phase flow of gas-condensate gathering
systems. The Taitel Dukler flow regime map is used, which
considers five flow regimes: stratified smooth, stratified wavy,
intermittent, annular dispersed liquid, and dispersed bubble.
The Dukler equation is used to calculate the frictional pressure

loss and holdup and the Flanigan equation is used to calculate the
elevational pressure differential.
The Dukler, AGA, & Flanigan (Eaton Holdup) is the same as the
AGA and Flanigan correlation but with a liquid holdup calculated
according to the Eaton correlation. The Eaton liquid holdup
correlation is based on a study performed on 2 in. and 4 in. steel
pipe, using water and natural gas as test fluids. Test pressures
ranged from 305 to 865 psia and liquid holdup measurements
ranged from .006 - 0.732.
NOSLIP Correlation
The NOSLIP correlation assumes homogeneous flow with no slip
between the phases. Fluid properties are taken as the average of
the gas and liquid phases, and friction factors are calculated using
the single phase MOODY correlation.
NOTE: Selecting alternative flow maps and holdups causes

unpredictable results.
TUFFP Unified Mechanistic Model (2-Phase and 3-

Phase)
The TUFFP Unified Mechanistic Model is the collective result of
many research projects performed by the Tulsa University Fluid
Flow Projects (TUFFP) research consortium. The model
determines flow pattern transitions, pressure gradient, liquid
holdup, and slug characteristics.
A 2-phase version is available for gas-liquid flow (Zhang et.al,

development and validation] and a 3-phase version is available for
gas-oil-water pipe flow (Zhang and Sarica). The model is valid for
all inclination angles, pipe diameters, and fluid properties.

The principle concept underlying the model is the premise that

slug flow shares transition boundaries with all the other flow
patterns. The flow pattern transition from slug flow to stratified
and/or annular flow is predicted by solving the momentum
equations for slug flow. The entire film zone is treated as the
control volume and the momentum exchange between the slug
body and the film zone is introduced into the combined
momentum equation.
This approach differs from traditional methods of using separate

models for each transition. The advantage of a single
hydrodynamic model is that the flow pattern transitions, slug
characteristics, liquid holdup, and pressure gradient are implicitly
related.
The 3-phase model contains separate momentum balances for

the gas, oil, and water phases. The model determines if the oil
and water phases are separated or fully mixed.
If the phases are separated, individual phase viscosities are used.

If the phases are fully mixed, the liquid viscosity can be
determined either by the method within the TUFFP model (emul
default option) or overridden (emul override option) by the liquid
viscosity method defined with the PIPESIM fluid model, which is
useful when rheology data are available.
In the latter case, for black oil fluid models, selecting the Brinkman
emulsion viscosity method with the Brauner-Ullman watercut
cutoff method will replicate the method used within the TUFFP
model. For the 2-phase (gas-liquid) model, the liquid viscosity
from PIPESIM is always used, so the emulsion options defined in
the PIPESIM fluid definition always apply.
The closure relationships included in the model are based on

focused experimental research programs at University of Tulsa
and elsewhere. As new and improved closure relationships
become available, the TUFFP Unified Model is updated and
validated.
NOTE: The TUFFP Unified 2-Phase Model v 2007.1 is available

in PIPESIM. However, this version does not converge
under specific flow conditions. This problem was fixed in
2011. Use version 2011 (or later).

OLGA-S 2-Phase/3-Phase
The OLGA-S mechanistic models are applicable for all inclination
angles, pipe diameters, and fluid properties. The 2-phase
Bendiksen model considers gas-liquid flow, whereas the 3-phase
model considers gas-oil-water flow.
This model employs separate continuity equations for gas, liquid

bulk, and liquid droplets, which are coupled through interphase
mass transfer. Two momentum equations are solved: one applied
to the combined balance for the gas and liquid droplets, if present,
and a separate momentum equation for the liquid film. OLGA-S
considers four flow regimes: stratified, annular, slug, and
dispersed bubble flow. It uses a unique minimum slip criteria to
predict flow regime transitions.
The OLGA-S 2-Phase model uses the liquid viscosity model

defined within the PIPESIM fluid property definition. The 3-Phase
model uses the Pal and Rhodes emulsion correlation to calculate
liquid viscosity based on the oil and water viscosities defined with
the PIPESIM fluid model definition. Liquid viscosity options
defined with the PIPESIM fluid model are ignored.
OLGA-S is based in large part on data from the SINTEF

multiphase flow laboratory near Trondheim, Norway. The test
facilities were designed to operate at conditions that approximated
field conditions. The test loop is 800 meters long and 8 inches in
diameter. Operating pressures between 20 and 90 barg were
studied. Gas superficial velocities of up to 13 m/s and liquid
superficial velocities of up to 4 m/ s were obtained.
To simulate the range of viscosities and surface tensions

experienced in field applications, different hydrocarbon liquids
were used (naptha, diesel, and lube oil). Nitrogen was used as the
gas. Pipeline inclination angles between 1 were studied in
addition to flow up or down a hill section ahead of a 50m vertical
riser. More than 10,000 experiments were run on this test loop
during an eight-year period. The facility was run in both steady
state and transient modes.

Exercise 1 Selecting and Tuning Flow

Correlations
PIPESIM provides two operations related to selection and tuning

of flow correlation.
Flow Correlation Comparison: Allows you to compare

multiple flow correlations against measured data to generate
a correlation that best represents system performance.
Data Matching: Regression allows you to simultaneously
tune multiple flow correlations for pressure data matching,
taking into account temperature data, to develop the best
tuning factors for holdup and friction components as well as
overall heat transfer coefficient.
A results table lists the best suited correlation at the top of
the table, which is the one requiring the least amount of
tuning.
In this exercise, you will perform a flow correlation comparison for

a larger set of flow correlations and shortlist a few of them for
regression, using a data matching operation.
Comparing Flow Correlation

In this exercise, you use the model from the high-resolution profile
model from the previous exercise.
1. Specify measured data, as listed in the table.

NOTE: The measured data in the table are available at
pressure gauges installed every 10,000 feet along
the flowline.
Horizontal Measured
position, ft Pressure, psia
0 (Inlet) 165.92
10,000 153.67
20,000 141.39
30,000 127.42
40,000 112.56
48,013 (Outlet) 100.00

2. Make sure the report tool has slugging values.

3. Verify that the sphere generated liquid volume is selected for
spot reporting.
4. Select Setup > Define Output.

5. Choose Slug Output Page and other options, as indicated in
the figure.

6. Increase the No Cases to Print to 5.

M4_L2_Ex1_FlowCorrComparison.bps.
8. Set up the required data for a Flow Correlation Comparison
operation.
a. Select Operations > Flow Correlation Comparison.
b. Specify the Inlet pressure as a calculated variable.

c. Specify known values of other parameters, as shown in

the figure.
9. Specify Flow Correlation Type as Horizontal.

10. Check the Tulsa Unified 3-Phase (v2011.1) (Override
Emulsion Viscosity) flow correlation.
No Slip Assumptions
Beggs & Brill Revised
Mukherjee & Brill
Dukler, AGA & Flanagan
OLGA-S 2000 V6.2.7 3-Phase.

NOTE: OLGA-S flow correlations are available to clients in

an additional module. In the absence of the required
OLGA-S license, the OLGA-S flow correlation must
be unchecked from the Flow Correlation Matching
Operation.

11. Run the model to generate a comparison Profile plot and

record results.
12. Record difference in Inlet Pressure between calculated and

measured data.
Inlet Pressure, psia

Selected Flow Correlation Calculated Measured Error (%)
TUFFP 3-Phase 165.92
No Slip Assumption 165.92
Beggs & Brill Revised 165.92
Mukherjee & Brill 165.92
Dukler, AGA & Flanagan 165.92
OLGA-S 3-Phase 165.92
13. Save the model.

Tuning Flow Correlation and Matching Data

1. From the result of previous exercise, choose the three best
matched flow correlations (that gives calculated inlet
pressure closest to the measured data.
NOTE: Data Matching can be performed directly by selecting
single or multiple flow correlation. Going through the
flow correlation matching operation is not a
prerequisite.
2. Set up the Data Matching Operation.

a. Select Operations > Data Matching.
b. On the Parameters tab, specify the minimum and
maximum ranges for tuning parameters, as shown in the
figure.
NOTE: The status of the tuning factor depends on the

availability of appropriately measured data. For
example, the U-value multiplier is inactive if there is
no temperature measurement, which is true in this
case.

c. On the Flow Correlation tab, choose flow correlations (as

listed in the figure of Step 2b) in both the vertical and
horizontal factors.
d. On the Run tab, specify the operating condition, as shown.

e. Leave the RMS weight factor set to its default.
NOTE: This assigns the relative importance of Pressure and
Temperature matching.

3. Run the Model and get result of matched data and

corresponding plots.
4. Note the results.

Selected Correlation __________
Friction Factor Multiplier _______
Holdup Factor Multiplier _______
5. Select the row header corresponding to the top case on the
result table and click Save Selected Results.
This automatically updates the model with the selected flow
correlation and corresponding tuning factor.
6. Re-run the Pressure Temperature Profile to produce the final

result of the slugging parameter.
Result with tuned Flow Correlation

7. Save the model M4_L2_Ex1_FlowCorrTuning.bps.

Lesson 3 Slug Catcher Design
PIPESIM is frequently used to estimate the capacity requirements

for slug catchers. Typically, a more detailed analysis is performed
with a transient simulator, such as OLGA.
There are three common scenarios to consider when sizing slug

catchers for this type of system:
Hydrodynamic slugging
Pigging
Ramp-up.
Hydrodynamic Slugging
Most multiphase production systems experience hydrodynamic
slugging. Designing systems to avoid hydrodynamic slugging,
such as using a larger pipe ID, is not a common practice because
hydrodynamic slugs grow as they progress through the pipe. Long
pipelines can produce very large hydrodynamic slugs.
PIPESIM calculates the mean slug length as a function of

distance traveled by using the SSB or Norris Correlation. A
continuous intermittent flow regime is required for this to occur.
A probabilistic model (based on Prudhoe Bay field data) is applied

to calculate the largest slug out of 10, 100, and 1,000
occurrences. The 1/1000 slug length is often used to determine
slug catcher volume requirement.
The slug output from PIPESIM yields the length and frequency for
the selected slug size correlation.
Mean slug length (distribution is assumed skewed log normal)

1 in 1,000 slug length and frequency
1 in 100 slug length and frequency
1 in 10 slug length and frequency.
These probabilities represent various levels of confidence
regarding the maximum slug size. For example, a 1 in 1,000 slug
length of 50 meters indicates there is only 0.1% probability of the
maximum slug length exceeding 50 meters.
Alternatively, you can insert the Report tool and check Slugging
values and Sphere generated Liquid Volume values.

Pigging
In multiphase flow in horizontal and upwards inclined pipe, the gas
travels faster than the liquid due to a lower density and lower
viscosity. This is called slippage. Multiphase flow correlations
predict the slip-ratio, which depends on many factors, including
fluid properties, pipe diameter, and flow regime.
In steady-state flow, the gas travels faster, so it will slip past the
liquid and occupy less pipe volume. This gives rise to a higher
liquid volume fraction than if the gas traveled at the same velocity,
resulting in liquid holdup, as illustrated in Figure 27.
Figure 27 Example of liquid holdup
During a pigging operation, a solid object the diameter of the

pipeline is sent through the line to push out liquids and debris. As
a pipeline is pigged (Figure 28), a volume of liquid builds up ahead
of the pig and is expelled into the slug catcher as the pig
approaches the exit.
PIPESIM considers that the pig travels at the mean fluid velocity.
This means that the volume of liquid that collects ahead of the pig
is a function the degree of slip between the gas and liquid phases
(such as magnitude of liquid holdup).
PIPESIM reports this volume as the sphere generated liquid

volume (SGLV). The slip ratio (SR) also is reported, which is the
average speed of the fluid divided by the speed of the liquid.
Use steady-state analysis as a first order approximation to

estimate the volume of liquid expelled at the receiving terminal as
a result of pigging.

Figure 28 Pigging operation
Ramp-up
When the flow rate into a pipeline increases, the overall liquid
holdup usually decreases because the gas can more efficiently
sweep out the liquid phase. When a sudden rate increase (ramp-
up) occurs, the liquid volume in the pipeline is accelerated,
resulting in a surge.
A ramp-up operation is illustrated in Figure 29. The size of the

surge is influenced by the sensitivity of the liquid holdup with
respect to the overall flow rate. You can apply a simple material
balance approach to estimate the volume of the associated surge.
Figure 29 Ramp-up operation

Scenario Evaluation
For a more detailed analysis of slug catcher sizing, consider the
drainage rates of the primary separator and slug catcher.
Hydrodynamic slugs and pig-generated slugs typically occur over
a short duration (minutes), while the surge created by a ramp-up
operation can be a long duration (hours or days).
Procedure 1 Sizing a Slug Catcher
Base slug catcher size on the largest of these criteria, multiplied

by a safety factor to account for any uncertainty.
Hydrodynamic slugging, which is the requirement to handle

the largest slugs envisaged, statistically chosen to be the 1/
1000 population slug size. This is determined by using the
SSB or Norris Correlation.
The requirement to handle liquid swept in front of a pig.
Transient effects, such as the requirement to handle the
liquid slug generated when the production flow is ramped up
from a lower rate to a higher rate.
1. Configure the base model with all necessary model data.
2. Specify all operating scenarios (e.g., flow rates for ramp up
scenarios) as sensitivity variables under operating
conditions.
3. Select Setup > Define output.
4. Ensure that all sensitivity cases are reported. Specify the
required number of cases to print is the same as the number
of sensitivity variables.
5. Check to report slug output pages (optional for screening).
6. Insert a report tool at the node (the location of proposed slug
catcher).
7. Check to report the values for Slugging Values and Sphere-
generated Liquid Volume.
8. Run the operation and retrieve the results.
9. For each sensitivity value, scroll down the output file and
read the values for the reported 1/1000 slug volume and
Total Sphere Generated Liquid Volume So Far.

10. For the ramp-up case, calculate the difference in total liquid
holdup; this will be the surge volume.
11. Compare 1/1000 slug volume (each case), Sphere
generated liquid volume (each case), and the ramp up
volume.
12. Pick the highest value of the three parameters and apply a
safety factor to determine a slug catcher size.
Exercise 1 Sizing the Slug Catcher
In this exercise, you will size a slug catcher for the model tuned in
a previous exercise. For slug catcher design, consider the normal
operating gas flow rate of 10 mmscfd, which declines to 5 mmscfd
during the turndown scenarios. All other data remains same.
1. Load the previous case named

M4_L2_Ex1_FlowCorrTuning.bps.
2. Launch the Pressure Temperature Profile Operation.
3. Configure it to run a multi-case for normal and turndown flow
scenarios, as shown in the figure.
4. Select Setup > Define Output to report the Slug Output page.

5. Set the number of cases to print as 2.
6. In the Report tool, check the options Slugging Values and

Sphere-generated Liquid Volume values.

7. Save the model as M4_L3_Ex1_SlugCatcherSizing.bps.

8. Perform a Pressure Temperature Profile Operation.
9. Report the following results in the table from output and
summary file.
Gas Rate Gas Rate

Slug Catcher Sizing Result 5 mmscfd 10 mmscfd
1/1000 Slug Volume (bbl): sport report n/a n/a
Total SGLV so far: spot report 321.360 121.503
Ramp-up Volume (bbl): summary file 194.415
(difference in total liquid volume between
two cases)
Design Volume for Slug Catcher: 385.632
calculated (apply a safety factor of 1.2)
10. Save the model.
Review Questions
How does fluid composition impact system performance?
Discuss some of the key multiphase variables impacted by
variation in fluid composition.
Why is ambient temperature important in system
performance? How can you minimize the impact of seasonal
variation on system performance?
What is the influence of the pipeline resolution in the
pressure drop calculations? Discuss the various multiphase
parameters impacted by profile resolution.
What are some of the uncertainties that could impact
performance of a production system?
Summary
sensitizing the amount of heavy ends in the fluid composition

sensitizing the pipeline ambient temperature
determining the influence of the pipeline profile resolution
during simulation

performing a flow correlation comparison to screen and

select suitable flow correlations
using data matching operation in PIPESIM to tune flow
correlation that best represents system behavior
factors affecting slug catcher design and performing slug catcher design.

NOTES

NOTES

Schlumberger Gas Transmission Network
Module 5 Gas Transmission

Network
The network must be modeled as a complete system to account
for the interaction of flow streams in a transmission network. The
pressure distribution and flow distribution on a transmission line
are influenced by the backpressure imposed of other lines in the
system.
Modeling the network as a whole allows an engineer to determine

the effects many changes to the system.
Adding new flowlines

Adding compression
Looping flowlines, pressure, and flow control settings at
junctions
Changing pressure and flow settings at feeds and delivery
points.
In this module, you learn how to build a gas transmission network
and perform a network simulation to evaluate the deliverability of a
complete system.
Learning Objectives
build a model of the network

specify the network boundary conditions
solve the network and establish the deliverability.

Gas Transmission Network Schlumberger
Lesson 1 Network Model
Network models are constructed using the Network module and

solved using its calculation engine. There are three basic stages
when developing a network model.
1. Build a model of the field, including wells, sources, sinks,

flowlines, and other equipment.
2. Specify the boundary conditions.
3. Run the model.
Boundary Conditions
To solve the network model, you must enter the correct number of
boundary conditions. Boundary nodes are those that have only
one connecting branch, such as a production well, injection well,
source, or sink.
The number of boundary conditions required for a model is

determined by the Degrees of Freedom.
Degrees of Freedom = number of wells (production and injection)

+ number of sources + number of sinks
For example, a system of three production wells producing fluid to
a single delivery point has four degrees of freedom (3+1),
regardless of the network configuration between the well and the
sink.
Each boundary can be specified in terms of Pressure or Flow rate,

or a Pressure/Flow rate (PQ) curve.
These conditions also must be met.
The number of pressure, flow rate, or PQ specifications must

equal the degrees of freedom of the model.
At least one pressure must be specified.
The fluid temperature must be set at each source (production
well and source).

Solution Criteria
Scenario: A network has converged when the pressure balance
and mass balance at each node are within the specified tolerance.
The calculated pressure at each branch entering and leaving a
node is averaged and the tolerance of each pressure is calculated
from the equation.
If all Ptol values are within the specified network tolerance, that
node passes the pressure convergence test. This is repeated for
each node.
The total mass flow rate into and out of a node are averaged. The
tolerance is calculated from the equation
.
If the Ftol value is within the specified network tolerance, that
node passes the mass convergence test. This test is repeated for
each node.
The network has converged when all of the foregoing conditions

are satisfied.
Compositional Fluid Definitions for the Network

Model
A network model generally has multiple sources with different fluid
properties. A PIPESIM network allows you to define a global fluid
that, by default, applies to all sources in the network unless a local
fluid is defined for a particular source.

While PIPESIM Network allows one global fluid for the model,
there is no limit to the number of local fluids (Table 8).
Table 8: Compositional Fluid Definitions
Supply_1 Supply_2
Component (Mole %) (Mole %)
Nitrogen 0.1 0.2
H2S 0.1
Carbon Dioxide 5.2 3.0

Methane 77.4 78.4
Ethane 6.9 8.4
Propane 4.5 4.2
Iso-Butane 1.0 2.1
Butane 1.3 1.0
Iso-Pentane 0.4 0.7
Pentane 1.0 0.4
Hexane 0.8 0.2
Heptane 0.8
Water 1.2
C7+ (Pet. Fraction) 0.5
C7++ (Pet. Fraction) 0.2
Petroleum Boiling Molecular Specific

Fraction Point (F) Weight Gravity
C7+ 288 115 1.09
C7++ 312 121 1.12

Exercise 1 Building a Model of Transmission

Network
In this case study, your goal is to establish the deliverability of a

transmission network. There are two sources using different fluid
compositions.
The network consists of two sources as feeds connected through

a parallel piping system to a delivery station where the two
streams combine and transport fluids to a delivery terminal.
You will use the network toolbars and available engineering data
to build a model of a network.
Getting Started
1. Open PIPESIM and select File > New > Network to create a
new network model.
2. On the Setup tab, select Define Output.
3. Uncheck all report options except Primary Output.
4. On the Output Control tab, choose the option Use network
options and ignore local branch options.
Leave other boxes set at their defaults.
5. Select Setup > Units menu and choose Eng(innering) units.
Building the Model
1. Click Source to place a source in the work area.

2. Add more network elements, such as an additional source,
sink, and junctions for the network model.
TIP: Hold down the Shift key while placing junction nodes to
make multiple insertions; release the Shift key before
making the final insertion. This action applies to all
network elements, including network connectors.

3. Click Network Connector to connect sources, sink, and

junctions arranged to configure the base network skeleton
shown in the figure.
NOTE: Element naming follows the convention used for

default names, such as Source_1, Source_2 (for
sources) and B_1, B_2, etc. (for network
connectors). Rename the files using the right-click
menu Data > General.

Defining Data for Network Elements

1. Define the boundary data for sources and sinks.
Supply_1: feeding 530 MMscf/d of gas at a temperature of
160 degF
Supply_2: feeding 1300 MMscf/d of gas at a temperature of
130 degF
Delivery pressure at Terminal: fixed at 860 psia.
2. Specify flowline details in simple modes for all six flowlines.
Inside Horizontal Elevation Ambient

Diameter Distance Difference Temperature Other
Flowline (in) (mile) (ft) (degF) parameters
Line_1 24 10 0 68 Default
Line_6 39 1.5 0 68 Default
TIP: If flowlines do not have detailed geometrical profiles or

varying parameters (e.g., ambient temperature), define
flowline properties for multiple flowlines. Select Setup >
Flowline Properties in the Flowline Properties table
and enter the required data.
Defining Flow Correlations

1. Select Setup > Flow Correlations.
2. Ensure that the Beggs & Brill Revised correlation is chosen
for both Vertical and Horizontal Flow.
3. On the Options Control tab, set the option Use Network
options.
4. Click Apply Network Options to all branches.
5. Save the case as
M5_L1_Ex1_TransmissionNetwork.bpn.

Defining the Global Template for Compositional Fluid

1. Open the Compositional Template Properties interface by
selecting Setup > Compositional Template.
2. Set PIPESIM as the PVT Framework.

3. Set Multiflash as the PVT Package.
These selections will apply to all global and local fluid to be
defined in the network.
4. Create a template of components by adding the combined

list of all database components and petroleum fractions used
in any source in the network model.
a. Add a library component.
i. On the Component Selection tab, highlight an
individual component or multiple components by
pressing Ctrl + Click.
ii. Click Add to add it to the list of components.

b. Add a Petroleum Fraction

i. Specify the name of the Petroleum Fraction and its
associated properties.
ii. Choose the Petroleum Fractions by highlighting their

row headers and clicking Add to Composition. This
adds the Petroleum Fractions as a list of components
on the Component Selection tab.

5. On the Property Model tab, set the option Use local models
for each fluid to define the Property Model (Equation of State,
BIP Set, etc.) for the template fluid.
6. Click OK to exit the Template Fluid interface.
Defining the Global Compositional Fluid for the Network

1. Open the Default Compositional Properties interface by
selecting Setup > Compositional (network default).
2. Specify the same mole (%) you set for the default
compositional of Supply_1.
3. Leave other options on the Property Model tab set to their
defaults.

4. Generate a Phase Envelope of the fluid.
Defining the Local Composition for Supply_2

By default, the default network fluid applies to all sources in the
network. This means both Supply_1 and Supply_2 use the same
fluid defined in the previous exercise. In this exercise, you set a
different local composition for Supply_2.
1. Right-click on Supply_2 and select Fluid Model.
2. Set the option Use locally defined fluid model.

3. Click Edit.
4. Set the option Local Compositional.

5. Click Edit Composition.
6. Define the mole (%) of components for Supply_2.

7. Generate a Phase Envelope.

8. Analyze the Phase Envelope.

Setting up Boundary Conditions and Solving the

Network
1. Select Setup > Boundary Condition.
2. Ensure the required boundary conditions are populated as
shown.
a. Click RUN on the network toolbar to start the

simulation.

Displaying the Results using the Network Report Tool
1. Click Report Tool to display the results of the simulation.

2. Display the results of node/branch objects using the Report
tool.
a. Click .
b. Choose the report type as either Node or Branch and click
Clear. All results are removed from the display.
3. Save the model.

4. On the network diagram, select the node or branch of
interest to display selective results.
5. Enter the results in the table.
Parameter Value
Pressure at Supply_1, psia
Pressure at Supply_2, psia
Gas production rate at Terminal (sink), MMscfd
Delivery Pressure at Terminal (sink), psia
Temperature at Terminal (sink), degF
Pressure drop in Line_6, psi

Reviewing the Summary File to Display the Branch

Results and Flow Ddirection
1. On the Reports menu, select Summary File.
2. Scroll down to the System Summary section.
The Summary file includes a table showing the inlet and outlet
conditions for all branches of the network, including flow direction.
NOTE: The direction indicator for a branch displayed over a
network diagram indicates the profile direction (i.e.,
how the elevation changes from point 1 to point 2)
and not the flow direction. The Summary file confirms
that a forward flow direction is in the same direction
as the profile shown in the network diagram.

Reviewing the Results using a Plot File

Profile plots can be generated for all or part of a network.
1. Draw a rectangle that surrounds the entire network and click

Profile Plot on the network toolbar.
By default, a plot of Pressure vs. Total Distance is generated.
2. On the Plot menu, select Series to configure X and Y axes
to plot additional calculated variables.
3. Review and reconfigure the profile plot to display values for

these conditions.
Network branch with the highest frictional pressure gradient
________
Branches in the network with erosion issues _________
Review Questions
What is the significance of profile direction and how is it
different from flow direction? Can profile direction impact the
simulation result?
How is fluid mixing performed at network junctions? What
are the key concepts of fluid mixing in a PIPESIM network?
Discuss basic flow parameters like P and T continuity across
network junctions.

Summary
building a network model in PIPESIM

setting boundary conditions for the network
global and local configurations for fluid and other calculation
parameters
solving a PIPESIM network and analyzing results at various
nodes and branches
generating a profile plot of all or part of a network to display
valuable information.

NOTES

NOTES

Schlumberger Gas Field Production
Module 6 Gas Field Production

This module presents a case study that uses a steady state
network simulator to construct a low pressure gas gathering
production facility operated by a typical E&P company.
The gas gathering system is comprised of three main

components: production wells, pipeline networks, and surface
equipment.
Learning Objectives
construct a gas gathering network model using PIPESIM.

run the model and estimate the existing gas field
deliverability.
perform a gas field optimization.
analyze the performance of a gas field resulting from
changing conditions, such as seasonal weather variations,
declining pressure, etc.
analyze the influence of new wells and loops on field
deliverability.

Gas Field Production Schlumberger
Gas Field Production Scenario

Figure 30 shows the current layout of low pressure gas gathering
production facility.
Figure 30 Low pressure gas gathering facility
The system consists of four separate production zones with

different fluid compositions.
Group A Two vertical production wells, W1 and W2. The wells

are fairly new and are draining from the common
reservoir.
Group B Three vertical production wells, W3, W4, and W5.
The wells have been in production for some time and
have low reservoir pressures compared to other
wells in the system.
Group C Two vertical production wells, W6 and W7. Both
wells are fairly new and were drilled in the same
reservoir.

Group D Represents a group of wells that, together,

contribute 5 MMcf/day to the gas gathering system.
The gas produced from all groups of wells are combined and
transported through a common transmission line to a delivery
location referred as the GOM Station.
Lesson 1 Completion Design and Inflow

Performance Relationships for
Gas Wells
Well design performance analysis relies predominantly on well

deliverability modeling, which combines tubular hydraulic
calculations with a reservoir deliverability model.
The deliverability model, described by the inflow performance

relationship (IPR) of a well, is typically used to relate fluid flow
rates to flowing bottomhole pressures for a given fixed reservoir
pressure. PIPESIM offers several IPRs for gas and gas
condensate reservoirs.
Back pressure equation and a multi-rate backpressure

equation (empirical)
Multi-rate Forchheimer (empirical)
Multi-rate Jones (empirical)
Hydraulically fractured (analytical)
Well Productivity Index
Darcy Model-Pseudo Steady State Equation (analytical)
Transient equation (analytical).
In this case study, two IPR models are used for production wells in
the system.
Darcy Pseudo Steady State model for a single gas well in

vertical geometry
Hydraulically Fractured IPR model.

Darcy Pseudo Steady State for Single Gas Well in

Vertical Geometry
In vertical geometry for a single well, the Darcy Pseudo Steady
State for stabilized radial gas flow from a reservoir boundary to a
wellbore entry point is expressed as
NOTE: The equation works correctly for low pressures

(< ~ 2,000 psia).
Viscosity should be valid over the entire range of pressures. A

more accurate solution is available using the pseudo pressure
function m(P), which is represented by
The equation thus becomes

where:
Qg = Gas flow rate (MMscf/d)

S = Mechanical skin factor
D = Rate dependent skin factor (1/MMscf/d)
k = Formation permeability (md)
h = Formation thickness (ft)
g = Gas viscosity (cp)
rw = Wellbore radius (ft)
re = Drainage radius (ft)
T = Temperature (degF)
Z = Gas compressibility factor
Pwf = Flowing bottomhole pressure (psia)
Pws = Static reservoir pressure (psia)
m(P) = Pseudo pressure term
In the first equation, the mechanical skin factor (S) accounts for
near wellbore losses specific to the completion design. Factors
such as perforation properties, near wellbore damage, fracture
properties, partial penetration, and wellbore deviation affect the
mechanical skin factor.
The skin factor is generally positive but may be negative if the well
has been stimulated.
The rate dependent skin factor (D) accounts for non-Darcy or

turbulent flow effects as an additional pressure drop in the near
wellbore region.
The skin factor can be substantial for high rate wells. Because of
the nature of the equation, the IPR curve trend follows a parabolic
shape on a plot of Pwf vs. Qg.
In this case, Perforated completion design will be used for two

wells in the field that are described with a Pseudo Steady State
IPR model. The mechanical skin term for this completion type is
calculated using various parameters (Figure 28).
The total skin factor for this completion is calculated by adding

Perforation skin and Partial Penetration/Deviation skin.

Figure 31 Parameters for the Pseudo Steady State IPR model
Hydraulically Fractured IPR Model

Hydraulic fracturing is an effective technique that increases the
productivity of wells producing from low permeability formations
or damaged wells in which damage removal would not sufficiently
improve the flow rate.
Hydraulic fracturing involves injecting fluids at sufficiently high

enough pressure to cause cracks (tensile failure) in the formation
rock. At the fracture initiation stage, additional fluids are injected,
the opening is extended, and fracture propagates.
A long, narrow flow path is created that connects to the wellbore

with a much higher permeability than the surrounding formation
and exposes the wellbore to a larger fracture-to-formation surface
area. The general schematic of a vertical hydraulic fractured well
is illustrated in Figure 29.

A fracture mechanism in the formation rock may result in an

equivalent skin effect as low as -7, with a massive improvement in
fluid flow rate for those wells that are in low to moderate
permeability reservoirs.
Figure 32 Vertical fracture in a bounded reservoir
where:
Xe = Reservoir length (ft)

H = Reservoir thickness (ft)
Ye = Reservoir width (ft)
W = Fracture width (ft)
Xf = Fracture half length (ft)
K = Formation permeability (md)
Kf = Fracture permeability (md)
Equivalent Skin Effect (Sf) used in the calculation of the fractured

fluid flow rate is a function of one specific parameter
that has a special importance in hydraulic fracturing. This is

referred as Dimensionless Fracture Conductivity.

When FCD < 10, it is Finite Conductivity; when FCD > 10, it is
Infinite Conductivity. In the latter case, the flow rate is not
significant with further an increase in FCD.
In PIPESIM, for vertical hydraulically fractured well, constant rate

finite-conductivity, closed square, fractured well type-curve
matching is used to compute the terms of dimensionless FCD and
solve for rates and pressure drops in both transient and pseudo
steady state.
Well Productivity Index IPR

This is a simple relationship that is expressed as
for gas reservoirs

where:
Pws = Shut-in pressure
Pwf = Flowing pressure
j = Productivity index
Qg = Gas flow rate.
Multi-Rate Back Pressure Equation

Multipoint well tests are conducted in the field to determine the
deliverability or IPR of the well and used to predict flow rates
against several fixed back pressures.
For gas wells, the relationship between rates and bottomhole

pressures is given by the Backpressure equation
.
where:
Pws = Shut-in pressure
Pwf = Flowing pressure
C = Performance coefficient
n = Inertial effect exponent to account for turbulence
Qg = Gas flow rate.

These tests are usually conducted with an increasing rate

sequence. Three types of multi-rate test are available: Flow-after-
Flow, Isochronal, and Modified Isochronal.
Flow-after-Flow test (Figure 33): Usually performed on

high-productivity wells. The well is flowed at four stabilized
rates for an equal duration of time.
Figure 33 Flow-after-Flow test

Isochronal Test (Figure 34): Performed in low-productivity

wells because stabilization takes too long. The well is flowed
at four rates for periods of equal duration. The well is shut in
between each flow period until steady-state flow conditions
are reached.
Figure 34 Isochronal test

Modified Isochronal Test (Figure 35): This test sequence

has flowing and shut-in periods of equal Duration. The
advantage is that it is faster and not necessary to wait for
stabilization.
Figure 35 Modified Isochronal test
NOTE: Recorded pressure and flow rates in each test

sequence may be entered in PIPESIM to calculate C
and n, to define the IPR.
Exercise 1 Constructing a Gas Gathering

Network Model
In this exercise, you will use available engineering data to build a

gas gathering network based on the following workflow:
1. Define the physical structure of the network, such as the

equipment location and connections.
2. Specify the fluid properties for each group and associated
wells.
3. Specify the global and local calculation settings for the entire
network as well as local branches as required.
4. Specify boundary conditions.

5. Specify other settings as required to configure flow

assurance calculations.
Constructing Wells in a Network

1. Create a new PIPESIM network by selecting File > New >
Network.
2. Using the Network toolbar, place a Production Well on the
network diagram.
3. The well displays with the default name Well_1.
4. Select Data > General tab.
5. Right-click on Well_1 and change the name to W1.
6. Double-click on W1 to display the components.
7. Double-click on the vertical completion to enter the inflow

performance data shown in the figure.

8. Select the IPR Model as Well PI.

9. Enter the Gas PI as 3.8e-007 MMscf/d/psi2.
10. Double-click on the Tubing object and enter details for the
Simple Model, as shown in the figure.

11. In the Single Branch work area, take these actions.

a. From the Single Branch toolbar, add a Node object and
flowline to build the configuration shown.
b. On the Properties tab, enter the flowline details shown in

the figure.

c. On the Heat Transfer tab, enter the flowline details shown

in the figure.
12. Close the view of W1 by clicking the X in the upper right-

hand corner of the window or by selecting File > Close.

13. Using the commands Edit > Copy and Edit > Paste, create
six copies of the well and rename them W2, W3, W4, W5, W6,
and W7.
14. From the Network toolbar, add a Source and a Sink on the
network diagram, as shown in the figure.
15. Rename the Source and Sink S1 and GOM Station,
respectively.

Specifying Data for the Wells, Source, and Sink

In this exercise, you specify data for wells W2, W3, W4, W5, W6,
and W7, and for Source S1 and Sink GOM Station.
Tubing Data
Perforation Location Tubing data
Well Ambient
Name Datum Temp Temp Depth,
(ft) MD (ft) (degF) MD (ft) TVD (ft) (degF) MD (ft) ID (in)
W1 0 70 8,000 8,000 215 8,000 1.995
W2 0 70 5,900 5,900 175 5,900 1.995
W3 0 70 8,000 8,000 200 8,000 1.995
W4 0 70 5,300 5,300 170 5,300 1.049
W5 0 70 5,300 5,300 170 5,300 1.049
W6 0 70 7,300 7,300 215 7,300 1.995
W7 0 70 7,300 7,300 215 7,300 1.995
1. Double click each well and go to the respective single

branch.
2. Double-click on completion and tubing objects to specify their
respective data.

3. Keep the flowline data the same for all wells. Tubing data for
W1 is shown in the figure.

4. Add completion and IPR data for Well W2.

a. Specify the Static Pressure, Temperature, and IPR Model,
as shown.
b. Click Calculate/Graph.
c. Enter Isochronal Well test data, as shown.
d. Click Plot IPR.

e. Click OK to see the values of C and n updated.
5. Specify the Static Pressure, Temperature, IPR Model, and

other data for Well W3, as shown.

6. Specify the Static Pressure, Temperature, IPR Model, and

other data for Well W4 and W5, as shown.
7. Add common completion and IPR data for wells W6 and W7.
a. Set the Pseudo Steady State as IPR Model.
b. Specify data for Well W6 and W7, as shown.
c. Set the Calculate option for both Mechanical and Rate

dependent skin.
d. Click Completion Options.

e. Set Completion Type as Perforated.

f. Specify the required data, as shown in the figure.
g. Click Calculate Skin to show skin value.

h. Click OK and the skin is updated on the main IPR screen.
8. Specify properties for Source S1 and Sink GOM Station.

9. Specify the properties for Source S1 and Sink GOM Station,

as shown.
Completing the Network Structure and Specifying Data

for Branches
1. (Optional) Add a text identifier for Group A, Group B, Group
C, and Group D wells clicking Network Text .
2. On the Network toolbar, click to add five junctions.

3. Rename the junctions Junc1, Junc2, Junc3, Junc4, and
Junc5.
4. Click Network Connection Tool connect the wells,

source, sink, and junctions. The display should show the
skeleton of a network.

5. Specify the branch names shown in the figure.
6. Specify data for the branches.

a. Double-click on a branch to go to respective single branch
level.
b. Double-click on the flowline.
c. Specify the required data on the Properties tab, using the
information in the table.
d. Specify the required data on the Heat Transfer tab, using
the information in the table.
e. Leave all other options set at their defaults.

Data for Network Branches

Branch
Name Unit B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6
Pipe Data
Inside inch 3 4 3 3 8 4
diameter
Wall inch 0.432 0.432 0.432 0.432 0.500 0.432
thickness
Roughness inch 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001
Profile Data
Profile Type Detailed Detailed Simple Simple Detailed Simple
Rate of /1000 Table_B1 Table_B2 0 0.5 Table_B5 0
undulation
Horizontal miles/ 0.75 3 mile 2,000
distance ft mile ft
Elevation ft 0 0 0
difference
Ambient degF 70 70 70
Temp.
Heat Transfer Data
Heat Calculate Input Input Input Calculate Input
transfer
Mode
U Value Input Bare Bare Bare
(in air) (in air) (in air)
IFC Include Include Includ Include
e
Pipe Btu/hr/ 35 35
Conduc- ft/F
tivity
Ambient Air Air
fluid
Amb. Fluid Ft/sec 0.1 0.1
velocity
Burial depth inch 4.0 4.0
Ground Btu/hr/ 1.5 1.5
Conduct. ft/F

7. Enter Profile data for Branch B1, B2, and B5, as listed in the
tables.
Profile Data for Branch B1

Horizontal Ambient
Distance Elevation Temp. U Value
(miles) (ft) (degF) (Btu/hr/ft2/F)
0.00 0 70 Calculated

Horizontal Ambient
Distance Elevation Temp. U Value (Btu/
(miles) (ft) (degF) hr/ft2/F)
0.00 0.00 70 2
0.20 1.20 70 2
0.40 1.20 70 2
0.60 1.65 70 2
0.80 1.70 70 2
1.00 1.50 70 2
1.20 1.55 70 2
1.40 1.40 70 2
1.60 0.80 70 2
1.80 0.85 70 2
2.00 0.75 70 2
2.20 1.00 70 2
2.40 1.20 70 2
2.60 0.60 70 2
2.80 0.30 70 2
3.00 0.00 70 2


Horizontal Ambient
Distance Elevation Temp. U Value (Btu/
4.00 -100 70 Calculated

Specifying a Fluid Model for the Network

A fluid model is essential before running a network simulation. In
this case, you have three fluid compositions used by four groups
of wells.
Component Mole Fractions

Mole (%)
Group C
Group A Group B Group D
Components Wells Wells Wells
Methane 65.45 86.0210 85.00
Ethane 12.49 4.2324 3.89
Propane 9.05 4.5058 1.62
Isobutane 1.34 0.8961 0.37
Butane 3.21 0.5732 0.37
Isopentane 0.82 0.5924 0.17
Pentane 0.80 0.3485 0.14
Hexane 1.63 0.1554 0.15
Heptane 0.34
Octane 0.21
Nonane 0.17
Nitrogen 0.17 0.17
Carbon Dioxide 1.24 1.0923 0.60
Water 3.80 0.3838 6.80
Methanol
C6+ (Pet. fraction)
C7+ (Pet. fraction) 1.1989
Petroleum Fraction Properties

Petroleum Boiling Molecular Specific
Fraction Point, degF Weight Gravity
C6+ 176.11 90.439 0.7202
C7+ 214 115 0.6830

1. Define the Fluid template for the network.

a. On the Network menu, select Setup > Compositional
Template.
b. Set the PVT Framework as PIPESIM.
c. Set the PVT package as Multiflash.
d. On the Component Selection tab, add the combined list
of all components used by all groups of wells, as per the
Fluid Data table.
e. On the Property Models tab, choose Use local model for
each fluid.
f. On the Petroleum Fraction tab, specify C6+ and C7+
with the properties listed in the Fluid Data table.

g. Highlight the row headers of the Petroleum Fractions and

click Add to Composition.
The Petroleum Fractions listed on the Component
Selection tab are displayed.
2. Define the default network fluid.

NOTE: In this exercise, you will use the Group A fluid as the
default fluid for the network.
a. On the Network menu, select Setup > Compositional.

(This is the network default.)
b. On the Component Selection tab, specify the fluid name
as GroupA and enter the mole (%) of components for
Group A wells.
c. Click Export.

d. Save the fluid as GroupA.pvt.
e. Right-click on wells W1 and W2 to verify they are using

the default local fluid.
NOTE: By default, the default network fluid is shared by all

wells and sources in the network. To specify a
different composition for any well or source in the
network, you must locally configure a different fluid.

3. Define the local fluid for Group B wells.

a. Choose one of the Group B wells, for example W3.
b. Right-click and select Fluid Model.
c. Set the option Use locally defined fluid model.
d. Click Edit.
e. Select Local Compositional and click Edit Composition.
f. On the Component Selection tab, specify the fluid name

as GroupB.
g. Enter the mole (%)of components for Group B wells.
h. Click Export.
i. Save the fluid as GroupB.pvt.
W3 now has a local composition for Group B fluid and you
must add the same fluid to other Group B wells, W4 and
W5.
j. Right-click on well W4.
k. Set the option Use locally defined fluid model.

l. Click Edit.
m. Select Local Compositional and click Edit Composition.
This well currently has the default network composition for
Group A wells.
n. Click Import.
o. Point to the PVT file GroupB.pvt exported earlier and click
Open.

p. Click Import to specify a Group B fluid for well W4.
q. Click Import and specify a Group B fluid for well W5.

4. Define the local fluid for Group C and Group D wells.
a. Select one of the Group C wells, for example W6.
b. Repeat other steps as before to get to Component
Selection tab.
c. Under the Component Selection tab, specify the fluid
name as GroupCD.
d. Enter mole fraction of components for Group C and D
wells.
e. Click Export button and save the fluid as GroupCD.pvt
W6 now has the local composition for Group B fluid and
you must add the same fluid for other Group C and Group
D wells, W7, and Source S1.
f. Repeat Step 3a through Step 3p for well W7 and Source
S1. This time, import fluid GroupCD.pvt.
Specifying Flow Correlations, Erosion, and Corrosion

Models for the Entire System
1. On the Setup > Flow Correlations menu, choose Beggs &
Brill Revised as the global horizontal flow correlation
2. On the Setup > Flow Correlations menu, choose Gray
(Modified) as the global vertical flow correlation.
3. On the Options Control tab, set the option Use network
options.

4. Click Apply network options to all branches.

5. Select Setup > Erosion and Corrosion Properties.
6. Choose API 14 E as the erosion model with an erosional
velocity constant of 80 (considering the likelihood of sand
particles and aggressive pipe fittings).
7. Choose de Waard (1995) as the corrosion model.
8. On the Options Control tab, set the option Use network
options and click Apply network options to all branches.
Specifying Network Boundary Conditions and Saving the

Model
1. Select Setup > Boundary Conditions.
2. Specify the boundary conditions listed in the table.
Pressure/Flow Rate Specification

Boundary Temperature Pressure Rate type Flow Rate
Nodes (degF) (psia) (Gas) (MMscfd)
W1 215 3,800
W2 175 2,500
W3 200 3,000
W4 170 640
W5 170 640
W6 215 3,000
W7 215 3,000
S1 70 Gas 5
GOM Station 150
3. Save the model as M6_L1_Ex1_GatheringNetwork.bpn.

Lesson 2 Gas Gathering: Design

Analysis and Optimization
The gathering system is a network of pipes that transports

produced natural gas to field separation and processing facilities.
The processed or partially processed gas is then exported through
transportation trunk lines.
A typical gathering system is comprised of these components:
Gathering Lines: interconnected, often relatively small

diameter and low pressure.
Trunk Lines: usually large pipeline diameter compared to
lines in gathering system.
Facility Equipment: Wellhead chokes, indirect line heaters,
hydrate inhibitor injection equipment, wellhead, sales line
separators, compressors, and more.
There are two types of gathering systems.
Radial System: flowlines from different wellheads converge

to a central point where facilities are located.
Axial System: several wells produce into a common flowline,
as outlined in this low pressure gas gathering system case
study.
There are many factors to consider when you design a low-

pressure production facility.
Appropriate line size to control erosion and corrosion.

Sufficient fluid velocity to prevent liquid loading, especially in
low pressure wells.
Consideration for hydrate prevention in cold weather
conditions.
Requirement of gas compressors to meet delivery.
Consideration for liquid handling and processing capacity.

Line Sizing
Selecting a pipeline diameter requires an understanding of
pressure drop and velocity of the fluid. The line should be large
enough to meet the required delivery pressure but it is also
important to consider the velocity of fluid flow through the line.
Pipelines are typically sized for a minimum and a maximum

velocity. The fluid must be kept below a known maximum velocity
to maintain pipeline integrity and prevent problems such as
erosion, noise, and water hammer.
The fluid also must be kept above a specified minimum velocity to

reduce surging and to transport sand and other solids. As a
general rule for gas flow lines, it is best to use a minimum gas
velocity of 10 to 15 ft/sec to minimize the possibility of liquid
settling into low spots.
The maximum allowable gas velocity normally should be kept

below 60 to 80 ft/sec to minimize the effect of noise and below 50
ft/sec, if necessary, to inhibit CO2 corrosion.
Erosion Effect
Erosion has long been recognized as a potential source of
problems in oil and gas production systems. Erosion can occur in
solids-free fluids but, usually, it is caused by entrained solids
(sand).
Two erosion models are available in PIPESIM: API 14 E and

Salama.
API 14 E Model
The API 14 E model comes from the American Petroleum
Institute, Recommended Practice, number 14 E. This is a solids-
free model that calculates only an erosion velocity (no erosion
rate)1.
1. Refer to a recent paper titled, Choosing better API RP 14E C factors for practical Oilfield imple-
mentation, (Paper # 11248; NACE International - Corrosion 2011 Conference & Expo) or similar
sources.

The erosion velocity Ve is calculated with the formula
where,
= fluid erosional velocity
empirical constant; has the dimensions of
.
= 100 for continuous services and 125 for intermittent service
= gas/liquid mixture density at flowing condition .

NOTE: The equation is very simple and has been widely
used. However, several analyses indicate the C-
factor is very conservative for straight pipes in the
absence of sand particles. A more representative C-
factor is usually chosen from field history rather than
relying on the values given in this specification.
Salama Model
The Salama model was published in Journal of Energy Resources
Technology, Vol 122, June 2000, An Alternative to API 14 E
Erosional Velocity Limits for Sand Laden Fluids, by Mamdouh M.
Salama.
This model calculates erosion rate and erosional velocity. The

parameters required for the model are Acceptable Erosion rate,
Sand production ratio, Sand Grain Size, Geometry Constant, and
Efficiency.
The equations in Salama's paper use a sand rate in Kg/day. This

is obtained from the supplied volume ratio using Salama's typical
value for sand density: 2650 kg/m 3.

Corrosion Effect
Defined as the deterioration of a metal by electrochemical reaction
with its environment, corrosiveness is enhanced by the presence
of H2S and CO2 in free water. If left unattended, corrosion can
cause a significant monetary loss resulting from leaks or a well
collapse. Corrosion is classified in two categories: Sour corrosion
and Sweet corrosion.
Sweet corrosion exists in an environment containing CO2

and an absence of H2S.
Sour corrosion exists in an environment where the partial
pressure of H2S is less than 0.05 psi.
In PIPESIM, the de Waard CO2 empirical corrosion model is used
to determine the corrosion effect as a result of the presence of
CO2 in the fluid with some free water content. Sweet corrosion is a
well-known problem in gas production.
CO2 dissolves in water and forms carbonic acid that ionizes,

yielding a low pH value. The resulting acidic solution strongly
enhances the corrosion in carbon steel pipes and facilities.
CO2 + H2O -> H2 CO3 (A very weak acid)

Fe+ H2CO3 -> FeCO3+H2
Guidelines for Corrosive Parameters

Corrosion rates increase with fluid velocity.
Reduction of free water content through dehydration or
separation in the system can reduce corrosivity.
As the temperature increases, the solubility of FeCO3
increases and the corrosion rate decreases.
As CO2 concentration increases, its partial pressure
increases and the corrosion rate increases.
Partial Pressure CO2 = System Pressure X mol % CO2/100.
A value of CO2 partial pressure above 30 psig suggests a high
probability of corrosion, while values between 3 psia and 30 psig
suggest a moderate probability.

Liquid Loading
Gas wells usually produce natural gas-carrying liquid water and
condensate in the form of mist. As the gas flow velocity in the well
drops because of reservoir pressure depletion, the carrying
capacity of the gas decreases. When the gas velocity drops to a
critical level, liquids begin to accumulate in the well (liquid
loading).
This increases the bottomhole pressure, which reduces the gas

production rate. A low gas production rate will cause gas velocity
to drop further and, eventually, the well will cease to produce.
Turner Droplet Model

In predominantly gas wells that operate in the annular-mist flow
regime, liquids flow as individual particles (droplets) in the gas
core and as a liquid film along the tubing wall.
By analyzing a large database of producing gas wells, Turner

found that a force balance performed on a droplet could predict if
the liquids would flow upwards (drag forces) or downwards
(gravitational forces).
If the gas velocity is above a critical velocity, the drag force lifts the
droplet; otherwise, the droplet falls and liquid loading occurs
(Figure 36).
Figure 36 Turner Droplet model
When the drag is equal to weight, the gas velocity is at critical.

Theoretically, at the critical velocity, the droplet would be
suspended in the gas stream, moving neither upward nor
downward. Below the critical velocity, the droplet falls and liquids
accumulate in the wellbore.

In practice, the critical gas velocity is generally defined as the

minimum gas velocity in the tubing string required to move
droplets upward.
The general form of Turner's equation is given by the equation
where:
G= gas phase density (lbm/ft3)
l= liquid phase density (lbm/3)

= interfacial tension (dynes/cm)
vt = terminal velocity of liquid droplet (ft/sec)
E = correction/efficiency factor
The values of E for Turner's model and various others are listed in
the table.
Model E
Turner (1969) 1.200
Coleman (1991) 1.000
Nossier II (2000) 1.391
Li (2002) 0.454
In PIPESIM, liquid loading calculations are performed in every

operation and are available for review in output files and plot
reports. Review the output file to determine if the well is under
liquid loading.
A Liquid Loading Velocity Ratio value in excess of 1 indicates

loading.

Wellhead Choke
Wellhead chokes are used to limit production rates to meet
surface constraints, protect surface equipment from slugging,
avoid sand problems due to high drawdown, and control flow rate
to avoid water or gas coning. Placing a choke at the wellhead
increases the wellhead pressure and, thus, the flowing bottomhole
pressure, which reduces production rate.
Pressure drop across wellhead chokes is usually significant and

there are many choke flow models available for critical (sonic) and
sub-critical flow. Figure 34shows a flow condition across a choke
based on pressure drop.
Figure 37 Flow condition across a choke
Sound waves and pressure waves are both mechanical waves.

When the fluid flow velocity in a choke reaches the traveling
velocity of sound in the fluid under the in situ condition, the flow is
called sonic flow.

In sonic flow conditions, the pressure wave downstream of the

choke cannot go upstream through the choke because the
medium (fluid) is traveling in the opposite direction at the same
velocity. As a result, a pressure discontinuity exists at the choke,
which means that the downstream pressure does not affect the
upstream pressure.
Because of the pressure discontinuity at the choke, a change in

the downstream pressure cannot be detected from the upstream
pressure gauge. Likewise, a change in the upstream pressure
cannot be detected from the downstream pressure gauge. Sonic
flow provides a unique choke feature that stabilizes the well
production rate and separation operation conditions.
The existence of a sonic flow at a choke depends on a

downstream-to-upstream pressure ratio. If this pressure ratio is
less than a critical pressure ratio, sonic (critical) flow exists. If this
pressure ratio is greater than, or equal to, the critical pressure
ratio, sub-sonic (sub-critical) flow exists.
The critical pressure ratio is approximately 0.55 for natural gas

and a similar constant is used for oil flow.
In some wells, chokes are installed in the lower section of tubing

strings. This choke arrangement reduces wellhead pressure and
enhances oil production rate as a result of gas expansion in the
tubing string. For gas wells, a downhole choke can reduce the risk
of gas hydrates. A major disadvantage of using downhole chokes
is that replacing a choke is costly.
Gas-Liquid Separator
Reservoirs rarely yield almost pure natural gas and the produced
gas stream is typically mixed with water and condensates. Liquid
accumulation or hold-up in the system is an obstruction for gas
flow in gathering and transmission lines. Installation of vertical,
horizontal, or spherical gas-liquid separators in field locations for
liquid removal may improve gas deliverability.

Exercise 1 Solving a Network and Analyzing

Bottleneck Issues
In this exercise, you will use PIPESIM to achieve two production

engineering objectives: estimating gas deliverability and analyzing
various issues and bottlenecks.
Solving a Network and Displaying Results

1. Open the base gathering network named
M6_L1_Ex_GatheringNetwork.bpn.
2. Save the model as M6_L2_Ex1_NetworkAnalysis.bpn.
3. Solve the network by selecting Operations > Run Model.
4. Using the report tool, record the contribution from wells,
sources, and final delivery at the GOM station.
5. Note the results in the table.
Network Gas Flow Rate Liquid Flow

Element (MMscfd) Rate (STB/day)
W1
W2
W3
W4
W5
W6
W7
S1
GOM Station
Analyzing for Backpressure and Pressure Loss Issues

1. From the results of the run in Step 3 of the previous exercise,
identify the wells (if any) that cannot produce through the
system due to backpressure (shut-in).
2. Identify wells or branches that are the most limiting, such as
a well or branch with the highest pressure drop per unit
length.
a. Run the network.

b. Keep the network diagram as the active window and press

Ctrl + A to select the entire network.
c. On the Network toolbar, click Profile Plot to display

the default Profile plot Pressure vs. Total Distance.
d. Change the Y-axis to plot a desired parameter; in this
case, the pressure gradient.
e. Analyze the plot to identify which well or branch has the
highest pressure gradient.
3. Note the results.

Analyzing for Erosion and Corrosion Issues

1. Repeat Step 2 in the previous part of the exercise to display
plots of erosion velocity ratio for the network.
2. Identify the locations for possible erosion.

3. The plot suggests all wells and branches are as expected

except well W1.
Scan the output file to find the location where erosion velocity
crosses the limit.

4. Record your results in the table.
Description Results
Is there an erosion problem anywhere in the
network?
List the wells and branches with erosion
issues and note the location.
5. Generate a plot of corrosion rate vs. total distance to analyze

corrosion issues, if any.
In this exercise, assume that a corrosion rate in excess of
0.07 inch/yr is not acceptable.
6. Record your results.
Description Result
Is there a corrosion issue in the network?
Identify wells and branches with an
unacceptably high corrosion rate.

Screening for Well Stability and Liquid Loading Issues

1. Repeat Step 2 in a previous part of this exercise, Analyzing
for Backpressure and Pressure Loss Issues, to plot the liquid
loading velocity ratio for all producing wells in the network.
2. Note your results in the table.
Description Result
Does wellbore liquid loading exist in any well?
Identify the wells and branches with an
unacceptably high corrosion rate.

Mitigating Backpressure, Erosion, and Corrosion Issues

By analyzing the network at the current conditions, you identified
issues such as backpressure, high pressure gradient, erosion,
corrosion, and liquid loading issues that are preventing some of
the wells from producing.
The table suggests possible mitigation strategies.
Issues (with likely cause) Possible mitigation strategy

Well W5 and W6 are not able Choke back W1 (and possibly W3). It
to produce due to low may allow wells W5 and W6 to come
reservoir pressure coupled into stream.
with system backpressure
caused by other high
pressure wells, such as W1.
High pressure gradient in the Choke back W1 is a possible
wellbore of W1 solution.
Another option is to install a larger
tubing diameter that requires rig
deployment, providing the casing
size is big enough.
Erosion issue with well W1 Either choke back W1 or get a larger
and the flowline diameter flowline downstream of the
wellhead.
Corrosion issues with W1, Using corrosion inhibitor s is a
W3, and branch B5 possible solution.
A separator can be installed for
branch B5 to remove liquid (water)
from the system.
There are many other solutions that field engineers can apply to
mitigate these issues. For the purpose of this exercise, review the
option of choking back well W1, which is the likely solution to most
of these issues. In this exercise, you also will analyze for well
instability with the new network condition.

1. Double-click well W1 and insert a choke at the wellhead.
2. Specify multiple choke sizes and run the network.

3. Display the results for the parameters listed in table.
4. Choose the best choke size.
W1 Are wells Liquid Gas flow rate

Choke Max EVR W5 & W6 loading at GOM
size in Network producing issues? Station
(mm) (Ratio) ? (Yes/No) (Yes/No) (MMscfd)
8
12
16
What is the best choke size?

Is there an issue still bothering you? What can you do about
it?
5. Choose the correct choke size.
6. Save the model as M6_L2_Ex1_ModifiedNetwork.bpn.

Lesson 3 Design Considerations for

Cold Weather
One of the biggest operational challenges in cold weather is the

formation of hydrate in the production and transportation system,
which will plug flowlines and equipment. If proper design is not
taken into consideration, this condition can lead to loss of
production and revenue.
Hydrates
Gas hydrates are crystalline compounds with a snow-like
consistency that occur when small gas molecules come into
contact with water below a specific temperature. Hydrate
formation temperature increases with increasing pressure,
increasing the risk of hydrates risk at higher pressures and lower
temperatures. When hydrates form inside the pipeline, the flow
can be blocked by hydrate plugs.
Hydrate forming molecules most commonly include methane,

ethane, propane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide.
Three hydrate crystal structures have been identified: Structures I,

II, and H. The properties of Structure I and II hydrates are well
defined. Structure H hydrates are relatively new and their
properties are less well defined.
Hydrates can easily form downstream of a choke where the fluid

temperature can drop into the hydrate formation region due to
Joule-Thompson cooling effects.
Figure 35 shows a typical gas hydrate curve, which is useful for

subsea pipeline design and operations. On the left side of the
curve is the hydrate formation region. When pressure and
temperature are in this region, water and gas start to form hydrate.
Many factors impact the hydrate curve, including fluid

composition, water salinity, and the presence of hydrate inhibitors.
NOTE: Generating Hydrate curves requires the PIPESIM

Multiflash Hydrate package.

Figure 38 Typical gas hydrate curve
Hydrate Mitigation Strategies in PIPESIM

Two common strategies are available in PIPESIM to mitigate
hydrate formation: thermal insulation and chemical inhibitors.
Thermal insulation carries a higher upfront capital cost, whereas
chemical inhibition carries a higher operational cost.
Thermal Insulation
Heat transfer between the fluid and ITS surroundings occurs,
depending on the temperature gradient. Heat transfer in the
system can be expressed as
where:
U = Overall heat transfer coefficient between equipment

and its surroundings
A = External surface area of the segment of pipe
Tavg = Average temperature of the segment
TS = Temperature of the material surrounding the pipe
Q = Overall heat transfer to or from the segment
There are two options for modeling the heat transfer in PIPESIM:
Input U value and Calculate U value.
Input U value is an overall heat transfer coefficient (U value)

based on the outside diameter of the pipe.

Calculate U value includes the following data, which you enter to

compute the overall Heat Transfer coefficient.
Pipe coatings
Thickness of the pipe coat
K (Thermal conductivity) of the material
Pipe conductivity
Ambient fluid (air or water)
Ambient fluid velocity
Pipe burial depth
Ground conductivity (for flowlines only).
Chemical Inhibitors
Thermodynamic inhibitors can be used to shift the hydrate curve
towards the left, lowering the hydrate formation temperature.
Examples of inhibitors include methanol and ethylene glycol.
Kinetic and anti-agglomerate inhibitors comprise a category

known as Low Dosage Hydrate Inhibitors (LDHI). These inhibitors
do not lower the hydrate formation temperature; instead, they
avoid blockage formation by helping to prevent the nucleation and
agglomeration of hydrates.
The effects of these inhibitor types cannot be modeled in

PIPESIM.
Water Separation
Removing water from the production stream before it reaches
hydrate condition is an effective means of preventing hydrates,
especially for surface piping.
Stream Heating
The proper placement of indirect line heaters or heat exchangers
can help keep the stream temperature significantly above the
hydrate region.
Line sizing
Reducing the tubing or pipeline size increases the fluid velocity
and, thereby, reduces the amount of time needed to lose heat to
the surrounding material. This strategy maintains a higher system
temperature.

Exercise 1 Analyzing and Preventing

Hydrates
In this exercise, you will use PIPESIM to perform these tasks:
1. Update the network model for a cold ambient temperature.

2. Screen for possible hydrate formation.
3. Apply several hydrate prevention techniques.
Updating the Model

1. Open previous model M6_L2_Ex1_ModifiedNetwork.bpn.
2. Select Setup > Flowline properties.
3. Display the Flowline Properties table and update the ambient
temperature for all lines to 38 degF.
NOTE: The Flowline Summary table allows you to change

profile data for flowlines that are defined with a
simple profile description. To change ambient
temperature data for flowlines with detailed profiles,
double-click a row to open the Flowline Editor.

4. At the single branch level of each well in the network, double-

click the tubing object and change the wellhead ambient
temperature to 38 degF.
6. Open the Global Heat Transfer option.
7. On the Heat Transfer Options tab, check the box to Enable
Hydrate Subcooling Calculation.
8. On the Options Control tab, check the option Use network

options.

9. Click Apply network options to all branches.
Screening for Hydrate Issues in the Network

1. Run the network model.
2. Display a profile plot of Hydrate Subcooling Delta
temperature vs. Total Distance for the entire network.
3. Review the Plot and Data tabs to identify wells and branches
with hydrate issues.
NOTE: A positive value of hydrate subcooling delta
temperature (such as Hydrate formation temperature
vs. fluid temperature) indicates the flowing fluid
temperature is below the hydrate formation
temperature.

4. What is the Total gas production from the network?

Is there a hydrate issue in the network?
5. Looking at the Auxiliary Output file, identify the location of
hydrate formation at wells and branches with hydrate issues.
Hydrate issue
Well (Yes/No) Location of hydrate formation
W1 Yes Flowline downstream of choke
W2 No
W3 No
W4 Yes Flowline downstream of wellhead
W6 No
B1 Yes Entire branch

Updating the Model for Hydrate Mitigation

You will apply multiple techniques to prevent hydrates from
forming. For this exercise, operational and economic factors are
not considered when deciding on a solution even though these
factors will be analyzed for feasibility before choosing a final
solution.
Consider the following options for evaluation, based on the results

of previous exercises and your knowledge of the most likely
locations for hydrate formation.
Stream heating (heat exchangers at wells W1, W4, W5, and

branch B6)
Liquid removal (separators at wells W1, W4, W5, and branch
B6)
Thermal insulation of flowlines associated with target wells
W1, W2, W3, and branch B6
Methanol injection (separators at wells W1, W4, W5, and
branch B6).
1. Update the model by adding a heat exchanger, separator,

and fluid injector to wells W1, W4, W5, and branch B6.
NOTE: Use equipment and connectors to complete the
connections of these wells and branches, as shown
in Figure 39 for well W1 and Figure 37 for branch B6.
Figure 39 Modified configuration of well W1

Figure 40 Modified configuration of branch B6Specify the

equipment properties.
Assume a temperature differential of 60 degF at a pressure

drop of 10 psia across the heat exchanger and a water
separator with 90% efficiency.

2. Specify the methanol injection for the fluid injector.

a. Right-click on the injector and select Data.
b. Click Edit Composition.
c. On the Component Selection tab, specify 100%
methanol.
d. Leave all other components set to 0.
e. Specify an injection temperature of 120 degF.
f. Specify a preliminary injection liquid rate based on the gas
flow rate and water content for the affected branches.
For this exercise, assume the injection rates listed in the
table.
Methanol 25 Injection
Location (STB/day)
W1 80
W4 20
W5 20
B6 120

M6_L3_Ex1_HydrateMitigation.bpn.
Preventing Hydrates by Stream Heating

1. Open the model M6_L3_Ex1_HydrateMitigation.bpn.
2. Keeping the heat exchanger active, deactivate the remaining
equipment (Separator and fluid injector) at well W1, W4, and
W5 and branch B6.
3. Save the model as M6_L3_Ex1_StreamHeating.bpn.
4. Run the model.
5. Record the results in Table 10.

Preventing Hydrates by Removing Water

2. Keeping the separator active, deactivate the remaining
equipment (heat exchanger and fluid injector) at well W1,
W4, and W5 and branch B6.
3. Save the model as M6_L3_Ex1_WaterRemoval.bpn.
4. Run the model.
5. Record the results in Table 10.
Preventing Hydrates by Thermal Insulation

2. Deactivate all equipment (heat exchanger, separator, and
fluid injector) at well W1, W4, and W5 and branch B6.
3. Specify an overall heat transfer coefficient of 0.2 Btu/hr/ft2/F
at each flowline attached to each well and branch.
4. Save the model as M6_L3_Ex1_Insulation.bpn.
5. Run the model.
6. Record the results in the table in Table 10.
Preventing Hydrates by Methanol Injection

1. Open the model M6_l3_Ex1_HydrateMitigation.bpn.
2. Keeping the fluid injector active, deactivate the remaining
equipment (heat exchanger and separator) at well W1, W4,
and W5 and branch B6.
M6_l3_Ex1_MethanolInjection.bpn.
4. Run the model.

5. Record the results in the table.

Table 9: Hydrate Prevention Solution Comparison
A B C D E
Selective
Original Stream Water Thermal Methanol
Model Heating Removal Insulation Injection
Location Yes: Hydrate condition occurs; No: No hydrate condition
W1
W2
W3
W4
W5
W6
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
B6
Gas Rate
(MMscfd)
Combining Thermal Insulation and Methanol Injection

1. Load model M6_L3_Ex1_Insulation.bpn.
2. Activate the fluid injector but keep the remaining equipment
(heat exchanger and separator) inactive at well W1, W4, and
W5 and branch B6.
M6_L3_Ex1_MethanolAndInsulation.bpn.
4. Run the model.
5. Record the results.
What is the total gas production from the network
(MMscfd)?
Are there any hydrate issues remaining in the network?

Discussion
Insulation for a pipeline is associated with capital expenses, while
hydrate inhibitors are associated with operational expenses.
Choosing either method only to extend the production time is
totally dependent on the conditions and constraints in each field.
Techniques that prevent hydrate formation also affect gas

production deliverability and liquid hold-up in the system.
Lesson 4 Design Considerations for

Declining Reservoir Pressures
Gas fields in continuous production for long durations will not have
the same energy to deliver large volumes of gas as new producing
fields. In mature gas fields, it is essential to maintain low back
pressures on the surface so that the target production meets
contractual gas commitments.
Sufficient delivery pressure is needed to transport gas to trunk

lines operating at a specified pressure. Taken together, these are
the challenges common to all mature gas fields.
In a scenario such as this, gas compressors are one of the most

common solutions for maintaining production from wells. At the
same time, compressors produce sufficient delivery pressure to
assist the movement of gas through a distribution system.
Several types of gas compressors are available. Reciprocating

and centrifugal compressors are widely used in oil and gas
industry to meet a variety of requirements.
Gas reinjection for pressure maintenance or recycling

Chemical gas processing operations
Gas injection into substrata for underground storage
Reduced gas volume for tanker shipment
Casing head gas recovery
Gas lift injection into tubing.
A good understanding of compressor characteristics can help you
avoid high equipment installation costs while reducing regular
maintenance and operational costs.

Guidelines and data about limitations are available that can help
you in the selection process but these tools may not be sufficient
for complex situations. Discussions with manufacturers often are
useful.
Reciprocating Compressors
A reciprocating compressor (Figure 41) is a positive displacement
compressor in which successive volumes of gas are confined
within an enclosure (compression chamber) and elevated to a
higher pressure.
Compressors are available in sizes ranging from 50 hp to

3,000 hp. They are classified either as high speed (speeds of 900
to 1,200 rpm) or low-speed (speeds of 200 to 600 rpm).
Figure 41 Positive reciprocating compressor
Reciprocating compressors have many positive characteristics.
Low initial cost and flexible capacity limits.

Easily piped for multistate compression.
Low cost compared to low-speed reciprocating units.
Integral engines (7,500-9,000 btu/bhp-hr) are more fuel
efficient than high-speed engines.
Preferred as an electric motor compressor driver.
Favored for high compressor ratios and higher pressures.

Procedure 2 Adding a Reciprocating

Compressor
PIPESIM allows you to add a reciprocating compressor into the

database.
1. Open a PIPESIM Single Branch Interface.

2. Select Data > New Reciprocating Compressor.
3. In the Compressor Data window, specify the name of the

manufacturer, the model, and the data shown in the figure.
4. Click Next.

5. In the Performance Table window, specify compressor

performance data, as shown in the figure.
You can add multiple performance curves for as many as ten
discharge pressure conditions. Depending on the type of
data available, you can switch between a preference for
efficiency or power.

6. Click Next to view performance plot.
7. Click Finish.
8. A dialog box displays requesting permission to add
performance data to the PIPESIM database.
9. Click Yes. The additional compressor will be available for
selection in any PIPESIM model using the same database.

Centrifugal Compressors
A centrifugal compressor (Figure 42) is a continuous flow dynamic
compressor in which the flowing gas stream is accelerated within
a rapidly rotating element that converts the velocity head into
pressure. Compressors are available in sizes ranging from about
500 hp to 20,000 hp, in increments of 1,000 hp.
Figure 42 Operating principle of a centrifugal compressor
Centrifugal compressors have a mix of positive and negative

characteristics.
Adapted best for large volumes at low-to-medium discharge

pressures.
More sensitive to pressure changes.
Preferred as a turbine engine compressor driver.

Less affected by high or low temperature extremes.

Low initial cost but tends to have limited flexibility for
capacity.
Lower compressor efficiency.
Gas composition affects a centrifugal compressor; more
stages are required if inlet gas density is low.
Other criteria are useful when making compressor selections for
mature gas field production operations.
Procedure 3 Adding a Centrifugal Compressor
PIPESIM also allows you to add a centrifugal compressor.
1. Open a PIPESIM Single Branch Interface.

2. Select Data > New ESP/Pump/Compressor.
3. In the ESP/Pump/Compressor Data window, select

Compressor.

4. Enter values into the data fields shown in the figure and click
Next.
5. In the Performance Table window, specify the performance

data shown in the figure.

6. Click Next to view performance curve.
7. Click Finish.
8. A dialog box displays requesting permission to add
performance data to the PIPESIM database.
9. Click Yes.
The additional compressor will be available for selection in
any PIPESIM model sharing the same database.
Push vs. Pull Compression

Installing a compressor in the final transmission line can improve
gas production by reducing back pressure on the downstream end
of the gathering system. This configuration also provides suction
intake pressures close to atmospheric conditions at the
compressor inlet. There are two modes of compressor installation
in a Sales line: pull compression and push compression.
Pull compression = Flowline > Liquid separator > Gas

Compressor > Delivery point
Push compression = Liquid separator > Gas compressor >
flowline > Delivery point.
Push compression requires less horsepower than pull
compression to transport gas. Push compression is

thermodynamically more efficient as a result of less pressure drop

when moving only gas through the sales line, compared to pull
compression that also moves liquid through the sales line.

Pipe Sizing Considerations

Reducing back pressure on a gathering system can increase the
gas velocity. Flowing gas velocities must be kept below the
erosional velocity limit to maintain the integrity of the pipe.
As a rule of thumb for preliminary analysis, suction and discharge

lines should be sized for a maximum actual gas velocity of 30 to
50 ft/sec. Field experience has indicated that it is difficult to inhibit
for CO2 corrosion at higher velocities.
Liquid Loading
Gas wells cease producing as the reservoir pressure depletes; the
presence of liquid can reduce production even faster. Liquid
accumulation in a gas well can be a problem if the reservoir
energy is not capable of overcoming the frictional and hydrostatic
losses of a tubing string as a function of wellhead pressure.
One method of preventing gas well liquid loading is using smaller

tubing or creating a lower wellhead pressure to flow the well at a
velocity higher than the critical gas velocity.
Exercise 1 Performing Compressor-Assisted

Gas Production
In this exercise, you will use PIPESIM to perform the following

tasks:
1. Modify reservoir pressures for each well and boundary

condition.
2. Run the network model and estimate gas deliverability.
3. Estimate the liquid loading problem of each well.
4. Determine the tubing inner diameter needed to minimize
liquid loading in each well.
5. Compare push vs. pull compressor installations and estimate
deliverability and power requirements.
6. Create a user-defined Reciprocating and Centrifugal
compressor curve.

Estimating Delivery at Declined Pressure

1. Open the model M6_L3_Ex1MethanolAndInsulation.bpn.
3. Change the boundary conditions for the wells listed in the
table as under to represent declining reservoir pressures at a
particular time in the gas field.
Declined Reservoir Pressure, psia

Group A Wells Group B Wells Group C Wells
W1 2500 W3 1500 W6 1840
W2 1550 W4 350 W7 1840
W5 350
4. Update the latest well test data for W2 as under to get new
values for C and n. Keep IPR models for all other wells same
as before.

5. Assuming that the facility destination outlet pressure is still

set at 150 psia as a facility constraint, estimate the gas field
deliverability at GOM Station with the new reservoir
conditions.
Description Result
Total Gas Production from the field, MMscfd
Identify wells having wellbore liquid loading
6. Save the Model as M6_L4_Ex1_BaseNetwork.bpn.
Evaluating Delivery under the Influence of Compression

In this exercise, you will put a compressor in delivery line B5 going
to GOM Station and evaluate the gas delivery of the compressor.
You will also evaluate the wells to determine if there is any
instability caused by wellbore liquid loading.
You will reduce tubing sizes to mitigate liquid loading while

ensuring that the reduced tubing sizes do not cause erosional
issues in the wellbore. Available tubing sizes from inventory are
1.661, 1.315, and 1.049 inches.
1. Add a liquid separator followed by compressor at the inlet of

B5, as shown.
NOTE: A liquid separator has been added to ensure there is
dry gas at the intake of compressor.

2. Specify properties for compressor, as shown in the figure.
3. Assuming the facility destination outlet pressure is set at 150

psia (as a facility constraint), estimate the gas field
deliverability at GOM Station with the new reservoir
conditions.
Description Result
Total Gas Production from the field, MMscfd
Compressor Power Consumption, hp
Identify wells having wellbore liquid loading
4. Save the Model as M6_L4_Ex1_Compressor.bpn.

Mitigating Liquid Loading Issues

Liquid loading can be resolved by decreasing the tubing size. In
this case, both well W1 and well W2 have a tubing size of 1.995
inch. Changing to a smaller tubing size of 1.66 inch for both of
these wells may resolve the liquid loading issue.
However, looking at the network configuration and the relative

positions of W1 and W2, it is likely that reducing the tubing size of
W1 will increase the production from W2 due to lower
backpressure at common junction Junc1.
1. Keeping all other conditions same, analyze the scenarios in

the table and choose a solution that requires the least
amount of change and does not compromise overall delivery.
Tubing size modification Liquid

Loading Erosion Gas Compressor
Issue Issue Delivery Power
W1 W2 (Yes/No) (Yes/No) (MMscfd) (hp)
ID = 1.661 ID = 1.995
ID = 1.661 ID = 1.661
ID = 1.661 ID = 1.315
Which tubing sizes would you select?

W1 _______ W2 _______
2. Save the model as M6_L4_Ex1_ModifiedTubing.bpn.
Lesson 5 Impact on Field Gas Delivery

of Adding a New Well
Gas production from a field continues to decline with time due to

depletion of reservoir pressures. To maintain the production target
and fulfill gas sales contractual obligations, operators look for new
ways to meet obligations, such as gas compressors or drilling and
connecting new wells if it is feasible.
Another important challenge is preventing a facility from becoming

under-utilized as production declines significantly below the
capacity of production system, resulting in an inefficient operation
that impacts the quality of the sales gas stream. This issue can be
addressed by adding new wells or importing gas from external
sources.

Exercise 1 Improving Network Delivery by

Adding a New Well
In this exercise, you will review the impact on network

performance of adding a new well and an additional gas source.
You also will review flowline looping to reduce system
backpressure.
Adding a New Well and an External Source to the

Network
1. Open the model M6_L4_Ex1_ModifiedTubing.bpn.
2. Add a new well and an external source. Refer to the diagram
that follows.
a. Drop a new well and a source on the network diagram.
b. Rename the well W8.
c. Rename the source S2.
d. Add two junctions J_1 and J_2.
e. Connect the wells and the source to their respective
junction, as shown.
Branch B_7 connects S2 to J_1; branch B_8 connects J_1
to the existing network junction Junc4; well W8 connects
to J_2; J_2 connects to J_1 with branch B_9.

3. Complete the data for W8 and S2 and branches B_7, B_8,

and B_9 in the tables.
Data for Network Branches

Branch Name B_7 B_8 B_9
Pipe Data
Inside diameter inch 3 3 3
Wall thickness inch 0.432 0.432 0.432
Roughness inch 0.001 0.001 0.001
Profile Data
Profile Type Simple Detailed Simple
Rate of undulation /1000 10 Table 10
B8
Horizontal miles/ft 500 ft 0.5 mile
distance
Elevation ft 0 0
difference
Ambient Temp. degF 38 38
Heat Transfer Data
Heat transfer Mode Input Input Input
U Value 0.2 Input 0.2
IFC Include Include Include

Hor. Distance Elevation Amb. Temp. U Value (Btu/
0.00 0 38 0.2
0.25 -4 38 0.2
0.50 -6 38 0.2
0.75 -4 38 0.2
1.00 0 38 0.2

Data for Source S2

Temperature 70 degF
Boundary
Condition Use PQ Curve
Pressure Gas Flow rate
(psia) (MMscfd)
200 7.00
180 7.50
160 7.80
140 8.00
120 8.10
PQ Curve Date 100 8.15
Fluid Data Use PVT file GroupCD.pvt
Completion/IPR Data for Well W8

Static Reservoir Pressure 2,200 psia
Reservoir Temperature 180 degF
IPR Model Well PI
Gas Productivity Index 1.749e-007 MMscf/d/psi2
Fluid Data
Fluid Model Use PVT File GroupCD.pvt
Wellbore Data
Ambient
Datum Temp MD TVD Temp Depth, ID
MD (ft) (degF) (ft) (ft) (degF) MD (ft) (inch)
0 38 5,900 5,900 180 5,900 1.995

5. Specify 2,200 psia for well W8.
6. Save the model as M6_L5_Ex1_NewWellAndSource.bpn.

Estimating Network Delivery with a New Well and an

External Source
1. Run the model.
2. Estimate gas deliverability at GOM Station.
3. Determine if there is any improvement in production or an
impact on other branches in the existing gas gathering
production system.
Description Result
Total gas production from the field (MMscfd)
Identify wells with wellbore liquid loading
Identify wells/branches with erosion issues
Evaluating the Impact of Network Connections and

Looping
In this exercise, you will review the impact of various connection
configurations and branch looping on network delivery and flow
assurance issues. There are three configurations to consider
(Figure 43).
Case A: Original network configuration (from the previous

exercise). Branch B_8 connects junction J_1 to junction
Junc4.
Case B: Modification of Case A. Branch B_8 connects
junction J_1 to junction Junc3.
Case C: Creates a connection loop.
Case A (Original) Case B (Modified) Case C (Looped)
Figure 43 Three network configurations

1. Run the model using the connection scenarios in Figure 40.

2. Compare the results of gas delivery and flow assurance.
3. Starting with Case B, add an additional branch B_10
connecting junction J_2 to junction Junc4.
NOTE: Branch B_10 uses the same data as branch B_8.
Description Case A Case B Case C

Gas delivery at GOM Station
(MMscfd)
Identify wells with wellbore liquid
loading
Erosion Issues (wells and
branches)
Which configuration would you use?

M6_L5_Ex1_FinalConfiguration.bpn.
Lesson 6 Gas Gathering Network

Configuration for Water
Re-Injection
There are situations in a gas gathering field in which excess water

collected from producing wells is re-injected back to subsurface
strata. A water injection well can be used for several purposes.
Dispose of produced water/brine after necessary treatment.

Waterflood for the recovery of oil and gas.
To help maintain reservoir pressure when the expansion of
an aquifer or gas cap is insufficient to maintain pressure.

Exercise 1 Designing a Water Re-Injection

System
In this exercise, you will perform several tasks.
1. Add a network separator to the existing gas gathering

production system.
2. Create a trunk line carrying water that will connect to a water
injection well.
3. Run the model and estimate the water injection rate.
4. Perform sensitivity analysis on the water injection well.
5. Use network tool, bars such as Network Separator and
Injection well to design the water injection system.
Configuring the Model for Water Re-Injection

1. Open the model M6_L5_Ex1_FinalConfiguration.bpn.
2. Add a network separator and a water injection well. Refer to
the diagram that follows.
a. Click Injection Well on the network diagram.
b. Click Network Separator on the network diagram.

c. Rename well IW9.
d. Rename the source Separator.
e. Connect the upstream end of branch B5 to the network
separator.
f. Drop junction J_3 and, using a network connector,
connect J_3 to injection well IW9.
g. Add branch B_11, connecting Junc3 to Separator.
h. Add branch B_12, connecting Separator to J_3, to
complete the network connections.

3. Configure data for the separator, well IW9, and branches

B_11 and B_12 according to the data in the tables.

Completion/IPR Data for Well IW9

Static Reservoir Pressure 4,000 psia
Reservoir Temperature 160 degF
IPR Model Well PI
Liquid Productivity Index 8 STB/d/psi
Fluid Data
No fluid definition required for
Fluid Model injection well
Wellbore Data
Ambient
Datum Temp MD TVD Temp Depth, ID
MD (ft) (degF) (ft) (ft) (degF) MD (ft) (inch)
0 38 6,500 6,500 160 6,500 2.441
Branch Data
Branch Name B_11 B_12
Pipe Data
Inside diameter inch 8 4
Wall thickness inch 0.432 0.432
Roughness inch 0.001 0.001
Profile Data
Profile Type Simple Simple
Rate of undulation /1,000 0 10
Horizontal distance miles/ft 50 ft 1,500 ft
Elevation ft 0 0
difference
Ambient Temp. degF 38 38
Heat Transfer Data
Heat transfer Mode Input Input
U Value 0.2 0.2
IFC Include Include


5. Specify 4,000 psia for well IW9.
6. Save the model as M6_L6_Ex1_WaterInjection.bpn.
Estimating Network Delivery and Water Injection Results

1. Run the model.
2. Record the results for gas delivery at GOM station and water
injection to IW9.
Description Result
Total gas production from the field (MMscfd)
Water injected to well IW9 (STB/day)
Wellhead injection pressure at J_3 (psia)
Wellhead injection temperature at J_3 (psia)
Exercise 2 Analyzing the Influence of Well

Parameters on Water Injection
Rates
In this exercise, you will perform specific analyses on an injection

well to determine how the injection performance varies by
changes in well parameters. There are four parameters
considered for this case.
Static reservoir pressure

Wellhead injection pressure
Tubing size
Productivity index (or better Injectivity Index).
You will use the Nodal Analysis operation of PIPESIM to evaluate
the tasks.
Creating an Isolated Model of a Water Injection Well

1. Display the network diagram from the previous exercise.
2. Double-click on well IW9 to go to the single branch level.
3. Save the single branch model by selecting File > Save As.
4. Name the model M6_L6_Ex2_InjectionWell9.bps.

5. Open a new PIPESIM single branch window.

6. Load the single branch model M6_L6_Ex2_InjectionWell9.bps.
7. Modify the model by replacing the top junction node J_3 with
a single branch source Source_1.
8. Add a nodal point between the tubing and the completion.
The original model and the new configuration are shown in
the figures.
Original model Modified model
9. Configure the source properties by specifying the wellhead

pressure and temperature, as noted in the previous exercise
for junction J_3.
10. Configure the fluid properties for this single branch model.
a. Select Setup > Black Oil.

b. Specify Stock Tank Properties to represent water. Leave

all other data at their defaults.
c. Select Setup > Flow Correlation.

d. Verify that Moody is selected as the single phase
correlation.
e. Save the model.

Evaluating the Effect of Static Reservoir Pressure

1. Select Operations > Nodal Analysis.
2. Specify the sensitivity data shown in the figure.
3. Run the model.

4. Analyze the impact of increasing the static reservoir pressure

on the injection rate.
Evaluating the Effect of Wellhead Injection Pressure

1. Modify the Nodal Analysis interface by removing the
existing outflow and inflow sensitivities with multiple values of
Source_1 pressure: 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, and 2,500 psia.
2. Run the model to get nodal plot.
3. Analyze the result.

Evaluating the Effect of Tubing Size

1. Modify the Nodal Analysis interface by removing the
existing inflow sensitivity parameter with multiple tubing
sizes: 1.995-in, 2.441-in, 2.875-in, and 3.958-in.
2. Run the model.

Evaluating the Effect of Well PI (Injectivity Index)

1. Modify Nodal Analysis interface by removing the existing
inflow sensitivity parameter and providing an outflow
sensitivity with multiple values of Liquid PI: tubing sizes of 4,
8, 12, and 16 STB/d/psi.
2. Run the model.
Review Questions
What completion types and IPR models are available in
PIPESIM?
What flow assurance issues are observed in a network? How
are they interrelated?
How does the network configuration impact individual well
performance and overall network performance?

Summary
completion types and IPR models in PIPESIM

network setup menus that control branches of the network
parameters you must consider to ensure optimum flow
through a network while eliminating flow assurance issues
a combined production and injection network
how well and wellbore parameters impact injection
performance.

NOTES

Schlumberger PIPESIM 2011.1 Gas Field Operations: Answer Key
Appendix A PIPESIM 2011.1 Gas

Field Operations:
Answer Key
Module 2: Simple Pipeline Tutorial
Lesson 1: Single Phase Flow Calculations

Exercise 1: Modeling a Gas Pipeline with PIPESIM
Parameter Result
Gas Velocity at Inlet (ft/s) 22.10
Gas Velocity at Outlet (ft/s) 40.70
Pfrictional (psi) 466.30
Pelevational (psi) 27.37
Ptotal (psi) 494.00
Outlet Pressure (psia) 706.00
Exercise 2: Analyzing Multiple Scenarios with

Sensitivities
Case 1 Case 2 Case 3

Temp: 60 Temp: 120 Temp: 180
Parameter degF degF degF
Gas Velocity at Inlet (ft/s) 22.10 26.80 31.10
Gas Velocity at Outlet (ft/s) 40.70 58.70 90.80
Pfrictional (psi) 466.30 598.00 753.50
Pelevational (psi) 27.37 21.72 17.81
Ptotal (psi) 494.00 620.40 772.60
Outlet Pressure (psia) 706.00 580.00 427.00

PIPESIM 2011.1 Gas Field Operations: Answer Key Schlumberger
Exercise 3: Calculating Gas Deliverability
Parameter Result
Gas Flowrate (MMscf/d) 10.307
Pfrictional (psi) 573.400
Ptotal (psi) 600.100
Lesson 2: Multiphase Flow Calculations

Exercise 1: Modeling a Multiphase Pipeline
Parameter Result
Gas Flow rate (MMscf/d) 8.0
Liquid Flow rate (STB/day) 10,000.0
Pfrictional (psi) 4,008.0
Ptotal (psi) 4,307.0
Module 3: Working with Compositional

Fluids
Lesson 1: Compositional Fluid Modeling

Exercise 1: Defining and Analyzing a PIPESIM
Compositional Model
Phase Envelope
Critical Point Pressure = 1,566.8 psia

Critical Point Temperature = -31.465 degF

Phases present:
Pressure Temperature List of phases present

(psia) (degF) (separated with comma)
2400 -160 Hydrocarbon liquid, Water, Hydrate
800 30 Hydrocarbon Liquid, Gas, Water, Hydrate
1400 200 Gas, Water (liquid)
800 240 Gas, Water Vapor
Phase Ratio:
Pressure Temperature GOR Water Cut

(psia) (degF) (scf/bbl) (%)
2400 -160 0 0.45
800 30 9,854 1.81
1400 200 Infinite 100.00
800 240 Infinite 0
Does flash confirm phases as per Phase Envelope Plot? = Yes
Lesson 9: Flashing Options and Compositional

Tuning
Exercise 6: Calculating Compositional Flash
PT Flash Results
Number of Phases Present = 3, (Gas, Oil and Aqueous/

Water)
Gas Oil Ratio = 33,477 scf/bbl
Water Cut = 4.07
Liquid Phase Density = 39.08 lb/ft3
Gas Phase Density = 2.35 lb/ft3
Are there any impurities (CO2, H2S, etc) in gas phase? = yes

Multistage Separation Results:
Number of Gas Oil Ratio Water Cut

Stream Phases (scf/bbl) (%)
FEED 3 21,742 3.33
Liquid Stage 2 3 6,089 1.26
Is there condensate dropping out in gas separator? Yes

What are the top 3 main constituent in condensate stream?
Methane, Heptane and C7+
Water Saturation Calculations
Is Main Fluid water saturated at reservoir condition? Yes

Mole % of water in vapor phase = 0.7093
GLR and Water Cut Matching
Does component selection tab updates mole fraction = Yes

Does PT flash for matched composition at measured test PT
condition returns measured GOR and Watercut? = Yes
Lesson 10: Hydrate Prediction and Prevention

Exercise 7: Performing the PIPESIM-Multiflash Workflow
Approx distance from the Source

Operating Hydrate Issue where Hydrate formation starts,
Condition (Yes/No) (ft)
Gas Rate = Yes 3000
20 mmscfd
Gas Rate = Yes 4000
30 mmscfd
Maximum Hydrate Subcooling Delta

Operating Condition Temperature, (F)
Gas Rate = 20 mmscfd 18.52
Gas Rate = 30 mmscfd 17.75

Where would you install the methanol Injector? = at the beginning

of the flowline?
Minimum quantity of Methanol required

Operating Condition to prevent Hydrate; (STB/day)
Gas Rate = 20 mmscfd 6
Gas Rate = 30 mmscfd 8
Module 4: Slug Catcher Design
Lesson 1: Slug Catcher Modeling Consideration

Exercise 1: Modeling Compositional Sensitivity
Result: Light Composition

Inlet Pressure, (psia) 138.06
Liquid Holdup, (bbl) 238.03
Liquid by Sphere, (bbl) 179.54
Result: Heavy Composition

Exercise 2: Evaluating Heat Transfer Sensitivity
Result: Ambient Temperature

Ambient T = 60 Ambient T = 20
Parameters degF degF
Inlet Pressure, (psia) 146.85 143.38
Liquid Holdup, (bbl) 346.85 373.01
Liquid by Sphere, (bbl) 242.58 267.69

Exercise 3: Analyzing and Plotting Solutions of

Sensitivity with Profile Resolution and Segmentation
Result: Impact of Flowline Profile Resolution

Base Low High
Parameters Case Resolution Resolution
Inlet Pressure, (psia) 143.38 153.06 182.77
Liquid Holdup, (bbl) 373.01 386.54 452.93
Liquid by Sphere, (bbl) 267.69 264.87 273.94
Lesson 2: Flow Correlations

Exercise 1: Selecting and Tuning Flow Correlations
Inlet Pressure, psia

Selected Flow Correlation Calculated Measured Error (%)
TUFFP 3-Phase 162.50 165.92 2.06
No Slip Assumption 130.55 165.92 21.32
Beggs & Brill Revised 182.77 165.92 -10.16
Mukherjee & Brill 137.44 165.92 17.16
Dukler, AGA & Flanagan 193.48 165.92 -16.61
OLGA-s 3-Phase 159.76 165.92 3.71
Flow Correlation Regression Results
Selected Correlation = TUFFP 3-Phase

Friction Factor Multiplier = 1.11
Holdup Factor Multiplier = 0.9652
Table 10: Result with tuned Flow

Correlation

Module 5: Gas Transmission Network
Lesson 1: Network Model

Exercise 1: Building a Model of a Transmission Network
Parameter Value
Pressure at Supply_1, psia 1368.00
Pressure at Supply_2, psia 2110.00
Gas production rate at Terminal (sink), MMscfd 1830.00
Delivery Pressure at Terminal (sink), psia 860.00
Temperature at Terminal (sink), degF 69.68
Pressure drop in Line_6, psi 19.54
Network branch with highest frictional pressure gradient =

Line3
Branches in the network having erosion issue = Line 3

Module 6: Gas Field Production
Lesson 2: Gas Gathering: Design Analysis and

Optimization
Exercise 1: Solving a Network and Analyzing Bottleneck
Issues
Network Gas Flow Rate Liquid Flow

Element (MMscfd) Rate (STB/day)
W1 4.52 13.39
W2 0.62 1.85
W3 2.63 Nil
W4 Nil Nil
W5 Nil Nil
W6 1.24 9.21
W7 1.24 9.21
S1 5.00 37.13
GOM Station 15.29 66.93
List of wells that are shut in are = W4 and W5

Well/branch with highest pressure gradient = W1
Description Result
Do you have an erosion problem anywhere yes
in the network?
List the wells/branches having erosion W1 (Downstream of
issues indicating the location. wellhead/flowline)
Description Result
Do you have corrosion issue in the yes
network?
Identify wells and branches having All of well W1, well W3
unacceptable high corrosion rate. and branch B5

Description Result
Do you have wellbore liquid loading in any well? yes
Identify wells and branches having well W2
unacceptable high corrosion rate.
W1 Are wells Liquid Gas flow rate

Choke Max EVR in W5 & W6 loading at GOM
size Network producing? issues? Station
(mm) (ratio) (yes/no) (yes/no) (MMscfd)
8 0.80 Yes 2.22 12.182

12 0.76 Yes 1.07 12.776
16 0.73 Yes 1.12 13.472
Best choke size for the W1 = 12/64 inch

Lesson 3: Design Considerations for Cold Weather

Exercise 1: Analyzing and Preventing Hydrates
Total gas production from the network = 12.881 MMscfd
Do we have hydrate issue in the network = Yes
Hydrate Location at wells and branches.
Hydrate
issue
Well (Yes/No) Location of hydrate formation
W1 Yes Flowline downstream of choke
W2 No
W3 No
W6 No

Hydrate Prevention Solution Comparison
A B C D E
Original Stream Water Thermal Methanol
Model Heating Removal Insulation Injection
Well/ Branch Yes: Hydrate condition occurs; No: No hydrate condition
W1 Yes Yes Yes
W2
W3
W4 Yes Yes Yes
W5 Yes Yes Yes
W6
B1 Yes Yes Yes
B2 Yes Yes Yes Yes
B3 Yes Yes Yes Yes
B4 Yes Yes Yes Yes
B5 Yes Yes Yes Yes
B6 Yes Yes Yes
Gas Rate 12.881 12.848 12.879 12.869 13.206
(MMscfd)
Result of combining Thermal Insulation and Methanol Injection
Total gas production from the network = 13.175 MMscfd

Are we free from hydrate issue in the network = Yes

Lesson 4: Design Considerations for Declining

Reservoir Pressures
Exercise 1: Performing Compressor-Assisted Gas
Production
Result from Network (Without Compressor)
Description Result
Total Gas Production from the field, MMscfd 8.83
Identify wells having wellbore liquid loading W1, W2
Result from Network (With Compressor)
Description Result
Compressor Power Consumption, hp 462.25
Tubing size response to Liquid Loading
Liquid
Loading Erosion Gas Compressor
Issue Issue Delivery Power
Tubing size modification (yes/no) (yes/no) (MMscfd) (hp)
W1 W2
ID = 1.661 ID = 1.995 Yes (W2) No 9.058 462.43
ID = 1.661 ID = 1.661 Yes (W2) No 9.060 462.42
ID = 1.661 ID = 1.315 No No 9.059 462.43
Selected tubing sizeW1 = 1.661 W2 = 1.315

Lesson 5: Impact on Field Gas Delivery of Adding a

New Well
Exercise 1: Improving Network Delivery by Adding a New
Well
Base Case Network Delivery
Description Result
Identify wells/branches having erosion issues None
Network Performance based on branch configuration
Description Case A Case B Case C

Gas Delivery at GOM Station, MMscfd 10.84 13.055 13.479
Identify wells having wellbore liquid loading W1, W2 None W6, W7
Erosion Issue (Wells and branches) None None None
Selected Configuration = Case B
Lesson 6: Configure Gas Gathering Network for

Water Re-injection
Exercise 1: Designing a Water Re-Injection System
Description Result
Water injected to well IW9, STB/day 328.819
Wellhead injection pressure (at J_3), psia 1594.000
Wellhead injection temperature (at J_3), psia 46.000

NOTES

PIPESIM

Transféré par

Informations du document

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

PIPESIM

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

PIPESIM Gas Field Production

Schlumberger Information Solutions

No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

An asterisk (*) is used throughout this document to designate a mark of

About this Manual

Module 1: PIPESIM Introduction

Module 2: Simple Pipeline Tutorials

PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1 i

Module 3: Working with Compositional Fluids

Module 4: Slug Catcher Design

ii PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1

Module 5: Gas Transmission Network

Module 6: Gas Field Production

PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1 iii

Appendix A: PIPESIM 2011.1 Gas Field Operations: Answer Key

iv PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1

About this Manual

This training is an introduction to PIPESIM* software. PIPESIM is

Applications featured in this training include well performance,

build a single branch well or pipeline model

What You Will Need

Personal computer with a minimum of 512 MB RAM

PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1 1

Overview of the module

2 PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1

Characters in Bold Represent references to dialog box names,

NOTE: Text you must enter is indicated in a fixed-width font or a

Instructions to make menu selections are also written using bold

Click Save Model .

PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1 3

4 PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1

Figure 1 PIPESIM workflow

PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1 5

defined the learning objectives

6 PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1

PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1 7

8 PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1

Module 1 PIPESIM Introduction

create a new project and open an existing project

the structure of the output file

PIPESIM is a steady-state multiphase flow simulator used for the

As shown in Figure 2, PIPESIM models a multiphase flow from

PIPESIM is most often used by reservoir, production, or facilities

NOTE: Steady-state flow simulation implies that the mass flow

PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1 9

Figure 2 Total production system

PIPESIM modules are available and licensed individually,

Base System Production system analysis

10 PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1

Multiflash Hydrates Optional add-on to Multiflash

PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1 11

PIPESIM DBR Wax Single-phase wax deposition

Lesson 2 Tour of the User Interface

The PIPESIM graphical user interface (GUI) allows you to easily

As shown in Figure 3, the PIPESIM interface consists of one main

The Single Branch toolbar (Figure 5) is displayed only in single

Menu Consists of some of the familiar Windows menus,

12 PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1

Figure 3 PIPESIM toolbars and menus

Figure 4 Standard toolbar functionality

PIPESIM Gas Field Production Operations, Version 2011.1 13

Single This toolbar is available only in single branch

These tools also can be accessed from the Menu

Figure 5 Single Branch toolbar