Pipephase PDF

INTRODUCTION TO
PIPEPHASE
Introduction to PIPEPHASE The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement
Workbook and may be used only in accordance with the terms of that agreement. Information
in this document is subject to change without notice. Simulation Sciences Inc.
assumes no liability for any damage to any hardware or software component or any
loss of data that may occur as a result of the use of the information contained in this
document.
Copyright Notice Copyright © 2001 Simulation Sciences Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this
publication may be copied and/or distributed without the express written permis-
sion of Simulation Sciences Inc., 601 Valencia Ave., Brea, CA 92823-6346.
Trademarks PIPEPHASE, NETOPT,TACITE, and SIMSCI are registered marks and/or trademarks
of Simulation Sciences Inc.
Windows, Excel, and MS-DOS are registered marks and/or trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
All other products are trademarks or registered marks of their respective compa-
nies.
Printed in the United States of America, July 2001.

Contents
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Exploring the PIPEPHASE Desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Defining the Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Setting the Input Units of Measure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Entering Thermodynamic or PVT Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Specifying the Global Defaults. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Building the Flowsheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Entering Source and Sink Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Defining Links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Setting up a Case Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Working with Keyword Input Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Running the Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Viewing the Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Fluid Flow Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Applying PIPEPHASE to Downhole Operations . . . . . . . 87
Executing a Sensitivity (or Nodal) Analysis. . . . . . . . . . . 98
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Introduction to PIPEPHASE i
Introduction
PIPEPHASE is a steady-state multiphase fluid flow network simulator
used for the rigorous modeling of oil and gas gathering and transporta-
tion systems. PIPEPHASE provides integrated solutions to network
problems. It can perform distinct analyses of individual nodes separately
and it is also able to incorporate the parameters of interrelated nodes into
the total solution. The applications of PIPEPHASE range from the sensi-
tivity analysis of key parameters in a single well, to a multi-year facili-
ties planning study for an entire field. This program also combines an
efficient multiphase network solution algorithm with modern oil and gas
production analysis techniques to create a unique field design and plan-
ning tool. This is coupled with an extensive physical property databank,
and integrated with an intuitive Windows-based user interface.
Calculation PIPEPHASE technology includes:

Engine ■ Comprehensive physical properties databank and thermodynamic
capabilities
■ Fluid types, such as, blackoil, compositional, liquid, gas, steam, and
multiphase mixtures of gas and liquid
■ Link devices: pipes, tubing, compressors, pumps, separators, IPRs
■ Well analysis with inflow performance
■ Gas lift analysis
■ Pipeline sphering
■ Sensitivity (nodal) analysis
PIPEPHASE also comes with two add-on modules, NETOPT and TAC-
ITE, which can be installed at the same time as PIPEPHASE provided
you have obtained the appropriate security. Contact your sales represen-
tative for more information.
NETOPT
NETOPT provides you with optimization capabilities that allows you to
optimize network performance by defining specific operating objectives
while satisfying both physical and user-imposed constraints. For exam-
ple, you can use NETOPT to maximize the oil production from a system
of wells operating under injection-limited gaslift, or minimize capital
costs for a new pipeline system.
Introduction to PIPEPHASE 1
TACITE
The TACITE code, developed by IFP, Elf Aquitaine and TOTAL, is a
compositional transient multiphase flow simulation tool, for the design
and control of oil and gas production pipelines and wells. The program
simulates the transient behavior of a fluid flowing through a single-link
flow system. The source flowrate and sink pressure are specified as time-
dependent boundary conditions.
Graphical PIPEPHASE GUI features include:

User ■ A true 32-bit Windows-based application
Interface
■ Interactive data entry and execution
■ Generate graphs, tables, and charts; view in Microsoft Excel™
■ On-line help with hypertext jumps
■ And many more.
This comprehensive range of features enables your company to use one

simulator for all phases of business.
PIPEPHASE PIPEPHASE was originally designed with an easy-to-use keyword ver-

Engine/GUI sion, where input information was entered through a text editor. The cur-
Relationship rently enhanced Graphical User Interface (GUI), however, provides a
more user-friendly and interactive environment for data input and flow-
sheet construction. Although familiarity with the keyword structure can
be useful in executing and troubleshooting simulations, this class will
focus solely on the GUI for several reasons. The GUI prompts you for
the necessary input data, making it easier for you to see what is missing
from a particular simulation. Furthermore, the GUI provides a visual
description of the process, giving you a better feel for the simulation.
Figure 1:
PIPEPHASE
PIPEPHASE
PIPEPHASE PIPEPHASE
PIPEPHASE Calculation
Components Database Calculation
PIPEPHASE Database Module
PIPEPHASE Module
Graphical
GraphicalUser
User
Interface
Interface
PFE
PFEText
Text
Editor
Editor
PIPEPHASE
PIPEPHASE PIPEPHASE
PIPEPHASE PIPEPHASE
PIPEPHASE
Keyword
KeywordFile
File RAS
RAS Report
ReportFile
File
2 Introduction
Where to Find Additional Help
Documents User manuals are shipped with your copy of PIPEPHASE. A complete
set of documents is provided on the CD in the form of .PDF files that are
most conveniently viewed using Adobe Acrobat Reader, supplied on the
installation CD. If you required additional manuals, contact your sales
representative.
Online Help PIPEPHASE comes with online Help, a comprehensive online reference
tool that accesses information quickly. In Help, commands, features, and
data fields are explained in easy steps. Answers are available instantly,
online, while you work. You can access the electronic contents for Help
by selecting Help/Contents from the menu bar.
Technical PIPEPHASE is backed by the full resources of Simulation Sciences Inc.

Support (SIMSCI), a leader in the process simulation business since 1966. SIM-
SCI provides the most thorough service capabilities and advanced pro-
cess modeling technologies available to the process industries. SIMSCI's
comprehensive support around the world, allied with its training semi-
nars for every user level, is aimed solely at making your use of PIPEP-
HASE the most efficient and effective that it can be.
SIMSCI offers technical support for PIPEPHASE for all questions sent
by fax, E-mail or regular mail. In North America, call our hotline sup-
port at 1-800-SIMSCI1. When contacting Technical Support, please
include the following in your correspondence:
■ Name and company, phone and fax numbers
■ Product version number
■ Problem description, including any error messages that you received
and the steps necessary to duplicate the problem
■ If you are e-mailing your problem, please include an electronic copy
of the .INP or .PP0 and .PP1 files.
■ When calling in a request, please have this workbook available and
be near your computer to be able to walk through any difficulties.
About This Workbook
This workbook complements SIMSCI's Introduction to PIPEPHASE
training course. Since much of the course time is dedicated to hands-on
examples, you will not necessarily go through the document page by
page. The workbook does, however, follow the course sequence and you
may want to jot notes in the margin. We strongly recommend that you
read this workbook from cover to cover once and then use it to refresh
your memory later on.
Conventions Before you begin this workbook, you should be aware of several conven-
tions. These include:
■ Italicized text denotes menu items, dialog box names and fields, and
lists. For example, File, Save As..., the Source Data dialog box, and
Composition Defined.
■ Buttons within dialog boxes are represented as gray-filled boxes
with white overlaid text, such as OK , Status , and . Add ->
■ “...” Ellipses indicate items that, when selected, bring up a windo
or dialog box, for example, Modify... and Enter Data... .
■ Text in < > brackets indicates keyboard strokes.
■ The , icon indicates a cautionary note or a useful tip.
SIMSCI has made great efforts to ensure that PIPEPHASE is compliant

with Microsoft Windows. As a result, much of what follows will be very
familiar to experienced Windows users.
■ Click, Highlight or Select: Place the pointer on the item and press the
left mouse button.
■ Double-click: Same as click except you press the left mouse button
twice with only a very short pause between clicks.
■ Open: To open a dialog box or object, place the pointer on the object
and click or double-click the mouse.
■ Drag: Move the mouse while holding the left button down
, Note: Remember to save your work often!
4 Introduction
Exploring the PIPEPHASE Desktop
The visual engineering of PIPEPHASE makes building a simulation
easy. Functional colors, menu-graphics and picture icons guide you
every step of the way. On-line references refresh your memory on equa-
tions and guidelines. And if you encounter trouble, Help is available
when you need it.
Launching To initiate a PIPEPHASE session:

PIPEPHASE ➤ Click Start on the taskbar, select Programs and then SIMSCI.
➤ Click on PIPEPHASE.
➤ Click OK , then choose File from the menu bar.
The File menu is described below.
Table 1: File Menu Options

Option Function
New Initialize a new simulation
Open Open an existing simulation
Import Keyword File Load a keyword input file into PIPEPHASE
Close Close the active simulation
Save/Save As Save the active simulation to a file with the same name, or to a new file
Copy Simulation Create a new simulation as a copy of an existing one
Delete Simulation Delete an existing simulation
Run Run the simulation
Remote Settings Run PIPEPHASE calculations from a UNIX machine
View Output File View the output file in the Programmer’s File Editor
View Keyword File View the input file in the Programmer’s File Editor
Print Print the flowsheet drawing or output report
Exit Close the active simulation and exit the program
Main The PIPEPHASE main window, shown in Figure 2, is your primary

Window workspace. This window forms the interface between you and the
PIPEPHASE program. This is where you will build and run all your sim-
ulations, as well as open files, save the current data, or exit the program.
You will use all the familiar Windows features such as toolbar buttons,
menus, dialog boxes, and drop-down lists.
Figure 2:
PIPEPHASE
Main Window
Table 2: PIPEPHASE Main Window Components

Component Description
Title Bar The window title contains the name of the current simulation and view.
Menu Bar All functionality can be accessed through the menus.
Toolbar Shortcut buttons for many commonly used PIPEPHASE operations are
provided. These include data entry window buttons and viewing buttons.
Primary Workspace This is where you draw your flowsheet.
Scroll Bars The vertical and horizontal scroll bars enable you to move vertically and
horizontally through a window.
Status Bar The bar below the toolbar that gives quick help on the highlighted button.
Control-menu Box The standard Windows control-menu in the top left corner can be used to
move, resize or close the application window
Menu Bar Directly below the title bar of the main PIPEPHASE window you will
find the main menu bar. It gives you easy access to the command menus.
Table 3: PIPEPHASE Menu Bar

Menu Main Functions
File File operations: open, close save, import, etc.
Edit Manipulate links and nodes on the flowsheet
View Specify what appears on the main window
General Add input data - all data can be entered from this menu
Special Features Enter case study and time-stepping data; access to a number of
performance curves and program databases
Help Access the on-line help functions
6 Exploring the PIPEPHASE Desktop

Many of same commands are available through the buttons on the tool-
bar.
Toolbar The toolbar appears just below the menu bar on the main PIPEPHASE
window. Using the mouse, you can initiate many actions by clicking the
buttons on the toolbar.
Table 4: PIPEPHASE Toolbar Buttons

Button Description Button Description
Create a new simulation Define hydrates
Open an existing simulation Select units of measurement
Import a keyword input file Select the components
Select thermodynamic method or

Save the active simulation
enter PVT data
Run the simulation and review the
Set the calculation method
results
View the output file Enter the global defaults
Print the output file or flowsheet Define network optimization data
Add a source to the flowsheet Zoom in on a selected area
Add a sink to the flowsheet Zoom out
Display the entire flowsheet in the

Add a junction to the flowsheet
main window
Add a calculator to the flowsheet Refresh the flowsheet drawing
Data Entry PIPEPHASE provides dialog boxes that allow you to enter data in a log-
Windows ical manner. Throughout this workbook, you will see examples of data
entry windows. Within these dialog boxes, there are many different types
of data entry devices including check boxes, radio buttons, drop-down
lists, and buttons.
Table 5: Data Entry Window Buttons

Button Description
OK All data are saved and the dialog box is closed.

Cancel All data entered or modified are lost when the dialog box closes.
Help Displays the online help for the dialog box.
Color Cues PIPEPHASE uses color cues to inform you of the status of your simula-
tion. The significance of the colors you will encounter while working
with PIPEPHASE are summarized below.
Table 6: Color Significance During Data Entry

Color Significance
Red Required data is missing
Blue All necessary data has been entered
Green An item is selected
Gray Data field is not available to you
Editing and You can use the options on the Edit menu to modify the placement of
Viewing the objects on your flowsheet diagram.
Flowsheet
Table 7: Edit Menu Options
Option Function
Copy Node... Copy an existing node to a new node at coordinates X, Y
Copy Link... Copy an existing link to a new link
Edit Node... Sort, edit, delete, and copy existing nodes or add a new node to the flowsheet
Edit Link... Sort, edit, delete, copy, or change the flow direction of existing links
Move Node... Move the highlighted node around the flowsheet using the arrow keys
Draw... Add text, a line, a rectangle, or an oval to the flowsheet.
You can use the options on the View menu to modify the data displayed
on your flowsheet diagram.
Table 8: View Menu Options

Option When the option has a checkmark beside it:
View Output View node results or link plots; you cannot make data entries or edits in
this mode
Node Labels Node labels are shown on the PFD; for example, S001, D002
Link Labels Link names are shown on the PFD, for example, L001, L002
Show Pressures Defined pressures (not estimates) are displayed on the PFD
Show Temperatures Supplied temperatures for each source are displayed on the PFD
Show Rates Defined flowrates (not estimates) are displayed on the PFD
Ribbon Bar Toolbar is visible below the menu bar
8 Exploring the PIPEPHASE Desktop

Link Device The Link Device Data window, shown in Figure 3, is the workspace into
Data Window which you add and define your link data for each link on the main win-
dow. To open this window, double-click on any link on the flowsheet.
Figure 3:
Link Device Window
This window is broken up into four sections. Starting from the top left-
hand-side, these include:
■ Access buttons—enter and exit link device view, and open online
help.
■ Edit link functions—edit, delete, reverse, copy and paste functions.
■ Calculation data—enter link data, nodal analysis data, line sizing data,
or TACITE transient data.
■ Devices palette—use this toolbar to add devices to the active link; the
description for each unit is provided in the status line above the tool-
bar, for example, Pipe.
Defining the Simulation
This chapter describes the objectives, applications, and capabilities of
PIPEPHASE. It introduces the concepts involved in pipeline, well, and
network analysis and describes how PIPEPHASE tackles them. The
numerous simulation and fluid types available in PIPEPHASE are also
discussed.
Applications The broad applications of PIPEPHASE can be categorized into three

parts:
■ Single pipeline analysis
■ Wellbore analysis
■ Field wide studies
Single Pipe PIPEPHASE is a sophisticated tool for the design and analysis of single-
Analysis phase and multiphase pipelines. The main features of PIPEPHASE
involve capacity calculations, condensate drop-out problems, CO 2/
Steam/N2 injection networks, and heated oil pipelines. The rigorous
energy balance and detailed heat transfer model enable the accurate sim-
ulation of viscous fluids in insulated and/or heated oil pipelines as well
as steam injection systems.
Capacity calculations form the core of any preliminary process design.

PIPEPHASE allows you to specify the desired parameters in a particular
field, and accurately calculates the operating conditions necessary to
accommodate these values. For instance, as a simple example, if one is
given a specified inlet and a desired outlet pressure at a given flow rate,
PIPEPHASE calculates the pump power needed to meet these specifica-
tions. You could also use line sizing to vary the diameter of the pipes
used in order to provide an optimal estimate for the size of the pipes.
Figure 4:
CÙSYVYUTð CÙSYVYUTð
Capacity Calculations
^\Udð@bUccebU ?ed\Udð@bUccebU
@e]`ðCÙSYVYSQdY_^c
PIPEPHASE also accurately predicts retrograde condensation, or con-

densate drop-out problems, in wet gas pipelines. The retrograde phe-
nomena is graphically illustrated in Figure 5. Conventional techniques
that employ extrapolation to predict the point of retrograde phenomena
are invariably incorrect. PIPEPHASE applies a point-by-point PVT anal-
10 Defining the Simulation

ysis, which has proven to be extremely accurate. This is especially useful
when exact solutions are desired.
Figure 5: @81C5ð5>F5<?@5ð@8!ð
Phase Envelope 200
CQdebQdUTðFQ`_b
3bYdYSQ\ð@_Y^d
160
CQdebQdUTð<YaeYT
@bUccebUäð@C91 120
800
400
CQdebQdUT
!%ëð<Yaâ ! ëð<Yaâ %ëð<Yaâ ðFQ`_b
0
-150 -100 -50 0 50 100
DU]ÙbQdebUäð6
Steam Injection Networks

In steam injection networks, PIPEPHASE allows you to develop operat-
ing conditions that will minimize heat loss in the network and optimize
energy usage. Large networks require an optimal distribution of heat for
maximum energy efficiency. For instance, an even distribution of steam
injection throughout the network may not necessarily be the optimal
arrangement. Such a configuration may exceed heating requirements in
some wells and may fail to provide sufficient energy in others.
PIPEPHASE performs rigorous heat transfer calculations to fully

describe the energy requirements of each individual well, as well as the
network as a whole. Because PIPEPHASE performs a rigorous enthalpy
balance, it can be used for single component fluids other than steam.
In the example shown in Figure 6, given 600 psia steam at the inlet,
PIPEPHASE can calculate the flowing bottomhole pressure.
Figure 6: & ð`cYQðCdUQ]

Steam Injection
Networks
C_ebSU
@ð/
Heated Oil Pipelines
For heated oil pipelines, PIPEPHASE allows for the variation of node
parameters (i.e., insulation thickness, heaters, pumps) to meet the pipe
specifications. Viscosity characteristics are always taken into account,
and the flow characteristics of the fluid can be analyzed exactly. PIPEP-
HASE can perform accurate calculations in both laminar and turbulent
flow regions, as well as analyze the transition region with equal preci-
sion. In the event of sludge formation, especially in heated oil pipelines,
PIPEPHASE employs a sphering or pigging model to estimate slug char-
acteristics for the design of downstream slug catchers.
Wellbore PIPEPHASE provides a comprehensive set of features for the detailed

Analysis design of production or injection well systems. This includes detailed
reservoir inflow performance characterization, a choice of completion
models at the sandface, wellbore geometry variations to accommodate
typical production, injection or artificial lift (ESP or gaslift) operations,
and surface flowline and facilities models simulating most oil field oper-
ations. Almost all of the well-known mulitiphase correlations, both
empirical as well as mechanistic, are available for a wide range of flow-
ing conditions and inclination angles.
Figure 7: @b_TeSdY_^ð6\eYT
Wellbore Analysis è_Y\ágQdUbáWQcç
CebVQSU
BUcUbf_Yb
The most common application of PIPEPHASE to wellbore problems is a

nodal analysis. PIPEPHASE is equipped with a sensitivity analysis fea-
ture, which is a generalized nodal analysis tool. This feature can provide
graphical solutions to wellbore problems, where the solution node can be
any point along the production string, and the inflow and outflow curves
can represent composite multiple parameter behavior. For instance, in
modeling a particular well, the inflow and outflow curves can be given
by the Productivity Index IPR (inflow) and the tubinghead pressure (out-
flow). The intersection of these curves provides the solution.

Performance Analysis
Figure 8 illustrates a graphical solution to wellbore calculations. In this
case, reservoir performance is given (flowing bottomhole pressure as a
function of flow rate). The composite variable in this case is the size
(inside diameter) of the pipes. These curves are superimposed on the
graph, and the intersection of these curves with the Reservoir Perfor-
mance curve indicates the solution for each case. The solution gives the
operating conditions for the node to meet the desired specifications.
Figure 8:
Wellbore Calculations 94ð-ð"ð!á"î
- Varying Pipe Sizes
94ð-ð#î
6\_gY^Wð2_dd_]X_\U
@bUccebU
94ð-ð#ð!á"î
94ð-ð$î
BUcUbf_Ybð
@UbV_b]Q^SU
6\_gðBQdU
Figure 9 is analogous to the previous example with a different variable.

Instead of varying pipe sizes, you vary well-head pressure (WHP). Also,
reservoir performance is represented by two curves, illustrating the
decline in the reservoir pressure with production. Similarly, solutions are
indicated by the intersection of the two plots, and the solutions give the
operating conditions needed for the given specifications.
Figure 9:
Wellbore Analysis -
ð -ð #
Varying Well-head
ð -ð "
Pressure
G8 @
ð -ð !
G8 @
G8 @
6\_gY^Wð2_dd_]X_\U
ðð
@bUccebU
BUcUbf_Ybð
@UbV_b]Q^SU
6\_gðBQdU
PIPEPHASE also models artificial lift methods. The two methods avail-
able to the program are continuous gas lift for enhanced fluid recovery
and electrical submersible pump analyses.
Gas Lift Analysis
In a gaslift analysis, separator gas available from the oil well or from an
outside source can be used to increase production. The production fluid
is considered to be in the tubing and the lift gas in the annulus around it.
Using PIPEPHASE, you can investigate the feasibility of injecting gas
for continuous gaslift. PIPEPHASE has four gaslift options:
■ With specified oil production and lift gas rate, PIPEPHASE gener-
ates pressure profiles in the production and injection strings of the
well.
■ With specified tubinghead pressure, PIPEPHASE generates table of
oil production rate vs. specified lift gas rate.
■ With a specified range of gas injection valve locations for fixed oil
production and lift gas injection rates, PIPEPHASE calculates corre-
sponding production string pressure, and determines the injection
location which is closest to the target outlet pressure.
■ With a specified range of gas injection valve locations for fixed oil
production and lift gas injection rates, PIPEPHASE calculates corre-
sponding injection string pressures and determines the location
which is closest to the target outlet pressure.
Figure 10: DeRY^WðGU\\XUQTð@bUccebUð-ð!&%ð`cYW

Gas Lift Analysis 7Qcð<YVdð7Qc
@-)% ð`cYW
D-! ð6äðA-/
7Qcð<YVdðFQ\fU
BUcUbf_Ybð3_^TYdY_^c
Að/ @-"! ð`cYW
D-!("ð6
PIPEPHASE offers you great flexibility in cases of gaslift analysis. You

can analyze the performance of wells currently on gaslift, maximize oil
recovery using new gaslift, and determine which gaslift valves should be
activated for a specified production scheme. This allows you to study
each production well in a field over the life of the reservoir. You can also
determine which wells are candidates for gaslift, how production can be
improved with gaslift, and which gaslift rates and valve locations are
required. Once the performance of an individual well is refined using the
gaslift options, the performance of an entire gathering system can be

analyzed in the network mode with the injection depth and rate specified
for each well.
The most common calculation in gas lift problems is the calculation of

the optimum gas injection rate. Usually, you are given the following
parameters: reservoir pressure, well-head pressure, formation gas-oil
ratio, and water cut. Injection pressure and gaslift valve locations are
usually fixed, and from this information, you must determine the opti-
mum lift gas injection rate, Q.
PIPEPHASE can generate plots of the liquid and oil production versus
gas injection rate, as shown in Figure 11, to indicate the optimum gas
injection rate required (trial injection rates are used as input to this simu-
lation to generate the desired graph).
Figure 11:
Finding the Optimum
Gas Injection Rate
A <ðè=Qhâç
A<
A 7ðè?`dY]e]ç
A7
PIPEPHASE also performs rigorous wellbore heat transfer calculations.

These are especially useful in steam injection networks with viscous oil
(API < 10, or viscosity > 100 cP). As described previously, the object of
steam injection networks is to minimize heat loss, and PIPEPHASE
takes into account all the necessary parameters to build an accurate
model. PIPEPHASE allows user-defined input as well as default values
for pipe insulation, heat conduction, convection, heat transfer coeffi-
cients, and radiation. It also accounts for time-dependent effects through
the Ramey function.
Field Wide The network simulation capability in PIPEPHASE can be used to model
Simulation the interaction between the various elements of a complete oil or gas
field, including all of the wells, gathering and injection lines, surface
facilities, and contract delivery points. PIPEPHASE also allows the
grouping of production from the same zones for simulating time-depen-
dent reservoir pressure decline, and changing well production conditions
(increasing GOR and water cut). These capabilities have been linked
with the ability to simulate production contracts and changing facilities
to create a field planning tool.
In a field of interconnected wells, the parameters in each individual well
are interconnected. (i.e. changes in the pressure of well 1 may affect well
2). Consider Figure 12 where Well 2 has varying gas lift injection rate,
and the resulting back pressure affects the performance of Well 1. Simi-
larly, all of the surface facilities are also interdependent. PIPEPHASE
incorporates these effects in performing an overall field calculation.
Figure 12:
Field Wide Simulation
GU\\ð! GU\\ð"
ègYdXðWQc\YVdç
Furthermore, PIPEPHASE is equipped with a new time-dependent pro-

duction planning capability. One such feature is the Reservoir Decline
option, which describes the cumulative production volume calculation
based on well grouping. PIPEPHASE provides a simple tank depletion
model for gas and condensate reservoirs. It also provides support for
user-specified reservoir pressure decline curves, as well as for user-spec-
ified decline in well characteristics (changing gas-oil ratio, water cut).
Another feature allows you to model changing facilities. The case study
feature simulates changing operation setpoints, facilities and delivery
contracts over multiple time periods. For instance, the field may require
more power (e.g. in pumps) with time, and increasing the horsepower of
the pumps affects overall field performance and costs.
Regarding contracts, PIPEPHASE allows you to model the behavior of a

given field that is under specific contractual constraints. For example, if
the field is given a maximum production rate Q which cannot be
exceeded due to contractual agreements, the individual components of
field must be adjusted to meet the terms of contract. The performance of
the field, however, will change with time. For instance, for the first five
years, compressor horsepower must be regulated because the maximum
field operation exceeds Q. After five years, however, even with maxi-
mum power, field production does not exceed Q, and the necessary
adjustments must be made to meet production standards.

Simulating The first step in creating a new simulation is to define the simulation
Networks in type and fluid type. If your fluid is compositional, you can also define
PIPEPHASE the phase of the fluid.
When creating a new simulation, by clicking the New button on the tool-
bar or by selecting File/New from the menu bar, the Simulation Defini-
tion dialog box will be opened automatically. If you need to access this
dialog box at any time, select General/Simulation Definition from the
menu bar.
Figure 13:
Simulation Definition
Dialog Box
Check the box beside Input Check Only when you want PIPEPHASE to
perform a thorough check on your input before performing any calcula-
tions. If errors are found, it will not carry out the simulation.
Simulation The simulation type indicates which solution algorithm will be used to
Type solve the simulation. The options are:
■ Network Model
■ Gas Lift Analysis
■ PVT Table Generation
Select Network Model if the system you want to simulate is a gathering,

distribution, or looped flowsheet system with one or more junctions, or if
your system is a single link but you want PIPEPHASE to calculate the
pressure at the source of a single link.
Select Gas Lift Analysis if you wish to to perform individual well gas lift
analyses. This option is for blackoil fluids only.
Select PVT Table Generation if you want PIPEPHASE to generate a

PVT data file for use in a subsequent run. Using PVT tables increases
simulation speed by enabling PIPEPHASE to look up data from tables
instead of performing flash calculations.
Fluid Models A fluid model is non-compositional when it can be defined with average
gravities at stock tank conditions. A fluid model is compositional when
it can be defined in terms of its individual components either directly or
via an assay curve. There are seven types of fluid modeled in PIPE-
PHASE:
■ Compositional
■ Black oil
■ Gas Condensate
■ Gas
■ Liquid
■ Steam
■ Compositional/Blackoil
The fluid type controls how the program is able to obtain the physical
properties necessary for pressure drop and heat transfer calculations —
either from the PIPEPHASE databank, from built-in empirical correla-
tions, or from user-supplied input. Steam is a special case of a non-com-
positional fluid, for which PIPEPHASE uses the GPSA steam tables.
Non-Compositional Models
A non-compositional fluid model must be defined as black oil, gas con-
densate, liquid, gas, or steam. Black oil and gas condensate are two-
phase, with one phase dominant. Gas and liquid fluid models are single-
phase. Steam can be single or two-phase.
When working with multi-phase non-compositional fluids in PIPEP-

HASE, you must supply specific gravity (reference density) data for gas,
liquid, and water phases, even if you do not expect them all to be present.
In the case of single phase fluids, you need specify the reference density
of that phase only.
PIPEPHASE employs empirical correlations (e.g. Vasquez, Standing,

Glaso) to calculate certain fluid properties. You can define the method
by which PIPEPHASE calculates these properties. For instance, you can
choose Vazquez, Standing, or GLASO correlations for viscosity, or
Standing or Hall-Yarborough correlations for compressibility factor. The
default correlation depends upon the fluid being used.

Blackoil Model
Black oil is a two-phase fluid model based on the reference gravities of
the two phases and the volumetric phase ratio (Gas-Oil Ratio) at stock
tank conditions. You must supply specific gravity data for gas, liquid,
and water phases, even if you do not expect them all to be present.
Gas Condensate Model

Gas condensate is a multiphase non-compositional fluid with gas pre-
dominating. All properties of gas condensate are calculated by PIPEP-
HASE from the specific gravity and built-in correlations. Gas
condensate models are very useful in simulating the behavior of light oil
with API’s greater than 45.
Single-Phase Liquid Model

All properties of a non-compositional liquid are calculated by PIPEP-
HASE from the specific gravity and built-in correlations. You must
define the liquid as water or hydrocarbon (oil), and supply its gravity.
Single-Phase Gas Model

All properties of a non-compositional gas are calculated by PIPEPHASE
from the specific gravity, which you specify, and built-in correlations.
You can also specify which correlation is to be used. Contrary to black
oil, you cannot adjust the Standing correlation to match any available
laboratory data.
Steam Model
Steam is a non-compositional fluid that is allowed to exist in two phases.
You cannot override the steam table data contained within PIPE-
PHASE’s data libraries. However, all pressure drop correlations which
are available to compositional fluids are also available to the steam
model.
Compositional Model
There are three methods for defining components in PIPEPHASE:
■ Selecting individual components from the PIPEPHASE library.
■ Defining individual components as petroleum pseudocomponents.
■ Defining an assay curve and having PIPEPHASE divide it into
petroleum cuts.
PIPEPHASE will then predict the fluid’s properties by applying the

appropriate mixing rules to the pure component properties. Unless
PIPEPHASE is instructed otherwise, it will perform phase equilibrium
calculations for the fluid and determine the quantity and properties of the
liquid and vapor phases.
A compositional fluid can be defined in terms of any combination of
these options. You can have different compositions at each source.
Pure Library Components

The SIMSCI library contains over 2000 components. For all compo-
nents, the databank contains data for all the fixed properties and temper-
ature-dependent properties necessary to carry out phase equilibrium
calculations. For all common components, the databank also contains a
full set of transport properties necessary to carry out the pressure drop
and heat transfer calculations. If you need to supplement the data, or
override the library data with your own, you can do so.
Petroleum Components
PIPEPHASE allows you to enter individual petroleum components,
which are represented as cuts or sections of a hydrocarbon stream with
defined average boiling points, specific gravities, and other thermophys-
ical properties. You can define individual components as petroleum com-
ponents by specifying at least two of the following three properties for
each component:
■ Normal boiling point
■ Gravity
■ Molecular weight.
PIPEPHASE will predict the third property if you omit it. PIPEPHASE
uses industry-standard characterization methods to predict all fixed and
temperature-dependent property data for each pseudocomponent. You
can select the method most suitable for your own mixture.
➤ Click Petroleum... in the Component Selection dialog box and enter

the data.
➤ You can provide names for the individual cuts, or have PIPEPHASE
define names based on the cuts' NBPs.
Assay Data
A component breakdown for petroleum-based streams, such as crude oil,
is difficult to obtain, because they contain thousands of distinct com-
pounds. Usually these hydrocarbon streams are characterized in terms of
laboratory test data (also known as assay data). This typically includes
distillation data, gravity data, and an analysis of the low-boiling pure
components (the lightends). PIPEPHASE derives a set of petroleum
components from this assay data by using industry standard character-
ization techniques. These derived components are used to model the
streams given by assay data.

If your fluid is defined by an assay curve (TBP, D86, D2287, or D1160),
PIPEPHASE will divide it into a number of cuts. You can control the
number of cuts and the ranges they cover. Each of the cuts is then treated
as a pseudo-component, as described previously. You can also define a
lightends analysis to go with the assay curve. The lightends can be
defined using the pure library components database.
To construct the assay curve, along with the boiling point curve, you
must supply average density, and you can also supply density curve data
or molecular weight data.
From user-supplied data, PIPEPHASE uses a specified curve fitting pro-

cedure to best fit the assay data. An example is the SPLINE method, in
which a cubic spline is fitted to all internal points and the normal proba-
bility distribution is used for extrapolation beyond the first and last data
points. This method is also the default fitting method.
You should try to define the temperatures such that they encompass the
TBP ranges for all stream assay data. Several correlations are available
for calculating critical constants, molecular weights, and gravities.
Phase If you believe that the phase of your compositional fluid will not change
Designation throughout the simulation, you can specify that phase (liquid or gas).
PIPEPHASE will bypass the flash calculations to increase the speed of
your simulation.
You must be sure that the fluid remains in the phase which you specify
for the entirety of the simulation, since any liquid dropout or vaporiza-
tion which may occur in reality will be missed, and results will then be
erroneous.
Setting the Input Units of Measure
Almost every item of data you will enter in PIPEPHASEwill have units
of measure. For simplicity, units of measure in PIPEPHASE have been
arranged into four standard pre-defined sets: Petroleum, English, Metric
and SI. You select the set that nearest matches the needs of your simula-
tion and then override the pre-defined units for individual quantities. For
example, you can select the Metric Set and override the Celsius tempera-
ture unit with Kelvin.
To change the default units of measure set for a simulation, click the
Units of Measure button on the toolbar or select General/Input Units of
Measure to open the Input Dimensions dialog box. This dialog box (Fig-
ure 14) automatically appears when you define a new simulation.
Figure 14:
Input Dimensions
Dialog Box
By default, the standard Petroleum set is the global default used to start
each simulation.
➤ To change the default set, select a set from the System list.
➤ Make any changes to individual units, as desired and click OK
when finished.
22 Setting the Input Units of Measure

Standard The units of measure in the standard sets are shown below.
Sets
Table 9: Standard Units of Measure
Petroleum English Metric SI
Temperature °F °F °C K
Pressure psig psia bar kPa
Molar Rate lb-mol/hr lb-mol/hr kg-mol/hr kg-mol/hr
Weight Rate lb/hr lb/hr kg/hr kg/hr
Liquid Volume Rate bbl/hr ft3/hr m3/hr m3/hr
Gas Volume Rate 106 ft3/hr 106 ft3/hr 106 m3/hr 106 m3/hr
Default Basis liquid volume gas volume gas volume gas volume
Conductivity Btu/hr-ft-°F Btu/hr-ft-°F kcal/hr-m-°C W/m-K
Heat Transfer Coefficient Btu/hr-ft2-°F Btu/hr-ft2-°F kcal/hr-m2-°C kW/m2-K
Fine Length in in mm m
Coarse Length ft ft m m
Pipe Length ft ft m m
Water Density sp gr sp gr kg/m3 kg/m3
Oil Density API API kg/m3 kg/m3
Gas Density sp gr sp gr kg/m3 kg/m3
Power hp hp kW kW
Duty 106 Btu/hr 106 Btu/hr 106 kcal/hr 106 kJ/hr
Viscosity cP cP cP Pa-sec
Velocity mph ft/s km/hr m/s
Output Units Normally, the output report is in the same units as the input set. How-
of Measure ever, you can define a different set of units for the output. If you do want
output in a different set of units it is good practice to get it in the input
unit set as well, so that you can check the correctness of your input data.
➤ Select General/Output Units of Measur .

➤ Check the Use Output Units of Measurement box, and select the set
from the System drop-down list.
You can override specific variables by selecting the appropriate units

from each drop-down list.
By default, an additional report with the output dimensions is generated.

If desired, the output dimensions can replace the input dimensions by
checking the Replace Standard Output radio button in the Output
Dimensions dialog box.
Entering Thermodynamic or PVT Data
The thermodynamic or PVT data required for the simulation depends on
the fluid type defined as the simulation definition. For any non-composi-
tional simulation, you can enter up to 99 property sets. The required data
entry for each fluid type is described below.
When creating a new simulation, the PVT Data dialog box will be
opened automatically. If you need to access this dialog box at any time,
click the Thermodynamic Data button on the toolbar or select General/
Thermodynamic Data... from the menu bar.
Blackoil For blackoil or blackoil/compositional mixtures, you must enter the

Models gravities (or densities) for each of the three potential phases of the
fluid—oil, gas and water. All other data are optional.
Figure 15:
Blackoil/
Compositional PVT
Data Dialog Box
You can enter a mole percentage for any or all of the listed contaminants
(nitrogen, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide). Entry of data here will
effect a change in the compressibility factor for the gas phase according
to built-in correlated curve relationships.
Regarding Antoine viscosity data, you can enter one temperature and
one viscosity to define a constant viscosity of the dead oil, or enter tw
points for regression onto a two-point Antoine curve. The viscosities are
interpolated and extrapolated on a log-scale for all other temperature
conditions. If multiple sets of two-point viscosity data are supplied, then
the two temperature points must be identical for each set.
24 Entering Thermodynamic or PVT Data

If laboratory data is available, you can adjust the properties that PIPEP-
HASE calculates from its built-in correlations so that they more closely
fit the measured data. Since the data adjusts the properties computed by
the Standing correlation, you must specify Standing for all properties on
the Correlation list or dialog box.
You can define the method that PIPEPHASE uses to predict a non-com-
positional compressibility factor. The available correlations are the
Standing-Katz, Hall-Yarborough wet gas, and Hall-Yarborough dry gas
methods.
You can also define the methods that PIPEPHASE uses to calculate For-
mation Volume Factor (FVF) and Solution Gas Oil Ratio (SGOR). For
the FVF, you can choose the TUFFP Vazquez/Beggs, Standing, or Glaso
methods. To calculate SGOR, you can define the TUFFP Vazquez/
Beggs, Lasater, Standing, or Glaso correlations.
There are numerous viscosity correlations available for each phase. For
oil, there are the TUFFP Vazquez/Beggs, Beal-Standing/Chew-Conally
and Glaso correlations. For the viscosity of gas, the Lee, et. al., and Katz,
Carr, et. al. methods can be used.
If you want to specify a specific correlation for mixing, you can choose
one of three methods: Volumetric averaging, API Procedure 14b, and
Woelflin (loose, medium, or tight). You can adjust the Woelflin Oil/
Water mixing correlations by entering your own data.
Gas As for the blackoil model, you must enter are the gravities (or densities)
Condensate for each of the three potential phases of the fluid, while all other data are
and Gas optional. Enter the contamination concentrations as you did for a black-
oil fluid.
Models
You must supply specific gravity data for gas, liquid and water phases,
even if you do not expect them all to be present. You can define the
amount of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or hydrogen sulfide in the well
which adjusts the compressibility factor calculations. You can also spec-
ify a gas specific heat ratio (c p/cv) to override the internal value set as a
default.
You can also specify which correlation is to be used. The available corre-
lations for gas viscosity are the Lee and the Katz-Carr methods. For the
z-factor, you can use the Standing-Katz, theHall-Yarborough wet gas, or
the Hall-Yarborough dry gas model.
In the case of gas condensate models, you do not have a choice as to

which correlations are to be used for calculating fluid properties. Also,
as opposed to black oil calculations, you cannot adjust the Standing cor-
relation to match any available data.
Figure 16:
Gas Condensate PVT
Data
The PVT dialog box for a single phase gas is similar to Figure 16 except
that the data entry field, Condensate, is not an option.
Single- The liquid can be designated either as hydrocarbon or water. Depending

Phase Liquid on your selection, the appropriate correlations are used to calculate the
Model physical properties. Hydrocarbon liquids are restricted to having a den-
sity less than pure water. If the liquid density is greater than or equal to
1.0 (specific gravity), the liquid must be defined as water. You must pro-
vide the gravity or density of the liquid. All of the physical properties
will be calculated from the density using correlations.
You’ll want to define the heat capacity when it is important to calculate

the heat transfer effects.
Figure 17:
Single Phase Liquid
PVT Data
If a hydrocarbon contains viscous tars, the default correlation used to

estimate the viscosity may not be accurate enough. In this case, the vis-
cosity can be set as a fixed value, or fit to a temperature-dependent Anto-
ine equation. Either select Fixed Viscosity and enter a value, or select
Antoine and enter two temperatures and their corresponding viscosity
values.

Note: If two-point viscosity data is supplied for more than one prop-
erty set, the temperature values must be the same. This is
required to calculate the proper mixture viscosity when the tw
fluids merge, for example at a junction node.
You can supply liquid viscosity data to override the internally predicted
data. You can do this by either defining the viscosity as a single value or
as a two-point viscosity curve. Similarly, you can supply a single con-
stant value for liquid specific heat to override the internally predicted
data.
You can specify the correlation used to calculate oil or water viscosity.
The options for viscosity correlations are: for oil, Vazquez, Standing,
and GLASO; for water, Beal and ASME Steam tables. However, unlike
black oil, you cannot adjust the Standing correlation to match any avail-
able laboratory data.
Steam Model Enter the gravity, or density, of the water to represent the amount of dis-
solved salt present in the water, which becomes important if large eleva-
tion changes are present.
When using steam, you can specify the gravity of the condensed water to
be more than 1.0 to take into account dissolved solids. You can also
specify steam quality if the steam is saturated. If the steam is super-
heated or the water is subcooled, you must specify both the temperature
and the quality.
Figure 18:
Steam PVT Data
Note that the steam (or any single component fluid) model is based on an
enthalpy balance.
Compositional For compositional models, PIPEPHASE can use a generalized correla-
Model tion, an equation of state, or a liquid activity method to calculate thermo-
dynamic properties at the flowing conditions and hence to predict the
split between the liquid and vapor phases. The choice of the thermody-
namic property calculation method depends on the components in the
fluid and the prevailing temperatures and pressures. PIPEPHASE also
provides a number of methods that can rigorously calculate vapor-liquid-
liquid equilibrium and solid-liquid equilibrium.
Generally you must select methods for calculating these thermodynamic

properties:
■ Equilibrium K-values
■ Enthalpies
■ Entropies
■ Densities.
In PIPEPHASE, thermodynamic methods are arranged into systems.

When you choose a thermodynamic system, PIPEPHASE will provide
default methods for each of these thermodynamic properties. You can
override these defaults. For example, if the Soave-Redlich-Kwong ther-
modynamic system is selected, the default liquid density method is API.
You can replace this with another method, for example, Lee-Kesler
should you feel Lee-Kesler will predict the liquid densities more accu-
rately for your simulation.
Figure 19:
Thermodynamic
Methods for
Compositional
Sources

To cite a few method examples, for the calculation of K-values, the fol-
lowing methods can be used for heavy hydrocarbon systems:
■ Braun K10
■ Grayson-Streed
■ Peng-Robinson
■ Soave-Redlich-Kw
For some systems, notably close-boiling mixtures, the standard equa-

tions do not adequately reproduce experimental phase equilibria data.
You can improve the predictability of many of the equations of state, or
liquid activity coefficient methods by inputting your own binary interac-
tion parameter values. For example, you can tune the PR, SRK, BWRS,
and LKP equations.
If you have water in a hydrocarbon system, you can select a method for
calculating aqueous liquid and vapor enthalpies either by a simplified
method which assumes that the steam is at its saturation point, or by a
rigorous method which takes into account the degree of superheat of the
vapor, if any.
Energy considerations in pipelines must take into account three main

factors: (1) the energy transfer to the environment, (2) frictional forces,
and (3) expansion cooling within the pipe, also known as the Joule-
Thompson effect. In the Joule-Thompson phenomena, as pressure
decreases, the gas expands and there is subsequent cooling of the fluid.
In the case of large pressure drops, large fluid expansion may be
observed, and the fluid temperature may drop below the ambient temper-
ature.
Transport The SIMSCI databank contains pure component data for the thermal
Methods conductivity, surface tension, and viscosity of liquids and vapors as func-
tions of temperature. You can choose to use these data and simple mix-
ing rules to predict the flowing properties of the fluid.
Alternatively you can choose to use the API Data Book property predic-
tion methods and mixing rules for mixed hydrocarbons.
Some 60 of the bank components have data for viscosity and thermal
conductivity from the GPA TRAPP program. If you choose to use the
TRAPP data, all of your components must be TRAPP components and
you cannot have any pseudocomponents or assay data.
In the case of oil and water mixing, you can use the same correlations
available to the black oil case: Volumetric averaging, API procedure
14B, and the three variations of the Woelflin emulsion procedure.
To override the mixture liquid viscosity predictions, you can supply a

two-point liquid viscosity curve for either the hydrocarbon liquid phase,
the water phase or the total liquid. A different viscosity curve may be
supplied for each source, however the temperature points must remain
the same.
In most cases, a single set of thermodynamic and transport methods is

adequate for calculating properties of all sources. However, your flow-
sheet may contain sources with widely varying compositions or condi-
tions such that they cannot be simulated accurately using just one set. To
account for this, you can define more than one set of methods (there is
no limit) and apply different sets to different sources.

Specifying the Global Defaults
This chapter describes how you can set global defaults for pressure drop
methods, thermal considerations, roughness, and transition Reynold’s
number. Click the Global Defaults button on the toolbar to set up these
default methods and values. The Global Defaults dialog box appears
(Figure 20). These settings will be used throughout the simulation unless
specifically over-ridden. In this way, repetitive data entry can be avoided,
particularly when entering device data.
Figure 20:
Global Defaults Dialog
Box
Flow You must specify the Pressure Drop flow correlation to be used to calcu-
Correlation late pressure drops along lengths of the pipes, risers, tubings, and annuli.
Defaults The default is Moody. The correlations available depend on the fluid
type: gas, liquid, compositional, blackoil, gas condensate or steam. The
selected correlation will be used for all units of like type in the simula-
tion unless you specify a different correlation on an individual device.
You can also enter user-defined correlations supported by PIPEPHASE.
➤ Click Flow Correlations.. to set the default flow code method.
Palmer Palmer corrections are factors which can be used with any non-mecha-
Corrections nistic pressure drop correlation except Orkiszewski and Beggs & Brill
No-Slip, in order to adjust for uphill and downhill multiphase flow pres-
sure drops. The defaults are those recommended for Beggs & Brill and
Beggs, Brill & Moody correlations: 0.924 for uphill, and 0.685 for
downhill.
➤ Click Palmer Corrections... to set default values for Palmer uphill

and downhill correction factors for pipes, tubing, risers, or annuli.
These data will be used for all units of like type in the simulation unless
you specify different data for an individual link device.
Inside You can specify default sizes for each of the riser, pipe, annulus and tub-
Diameter ing devices. These data will be used for all devices in the simulation
Defaults unless you specify different data for individual devices.
➤ Click Inside Diameter Defaults.. to set default values for actual or

nominal diameters and schedules for pipes and other flow devices.
The inside diameter can be specified on the basis of the actual inside
diameter of the device or (except for annulus) as a nominal diameter. The
relationship between nominal and inside diameter is determined by the
schedule and is defined in the Flow Device Size database.
Thermal PIPEPHASE allows you to select the heat transfer default method for
Defaults calculating heat transfer for all pipes, tubing devices, risers and annuli in
the simulation. As well, you can enter the default ambient temperature
for the medium surrounding all pipes, and the default geothermal tem-
perature gradient for all well tubing heat transfer calculations.
➤ Click Heat Transfer Defaults... to select the default method for cal-
culating heat transfer for all flow devices in the simulation.
➤ Click Heat Transfer Coefficients... to enter default heat transfer coef-
ficients for all pipes, tubing devices, risers and annuli in the simula-
tion.
➤ Click the appropriate button to set the defaults for the medium sur-
rounding the pipes in the simulation. You can set heat transfer
defaults for soil, water, air, and pipe insulation.
Miscellaneous PIPEPHASE also allows you to set the flow device inside roughness for
Defaults all devices, flow efficiency, transitional Reynold’s number, and when
the Hazen-Williams equation for single phase liquids has been enabled,
the HW coefficient.
Use the flow efficiency parameter to adjust pressure drops. It employs a

linear relationship with the local flow rate in the flow device. This
should be used to match field data only when all other relevant flow vari-
ables (such as roughness, heat transfer coefficient, etc.) have been evalu-
ated for effect on pressure drop.
Enter the transitional Reynolds number which is used internally as the

transition point from the laminar to the turbulent flow regime.
32 Specifying the Global Defaults

Building the Flowsheet
The flowsheet you construct in PIPEPHASE acts as the blueprint for
your process. Each component in the flowsheet will require user-speci-
fied data before the simulation is run. While building the flowsheet,
PIPEPHASE will inform you of any missing or inconsistent data through
message dialog boxes. The data entered in flowsheet construction in the
GUI is automatically exported into a keyword file, upon which the simu-
lation run is based.
Flowsheet The flowsheet consists of nodes and links. Nodes are connected by
Terminology Links. Each link starts at a node and ends at another node.
A node can be a Source, a Sink, or a Junction. A source is a point at

which fluid enters the piping system. A sink is a point at which fluid
leaves the piping system. A junction is a point where two or more links
meet.
Each link consists of a series of flow devices: pipes, fittings, and process
equipment and unit operations. The direction of flow is indicated by
arrows on the flowsheet. If the fluid flows in a direction opposite to the
arrows, then the results will indicate a negative flowrate.
Types of There are two basic types of networks —tree networks and looped net-
Networks works.
Tree Networks
Tree networks are those which
involve the distribution of a large
amount of fluid to a number of
different sinks, or the gathering
of a particular fluid from a num-
ber of sources. The latter is espe-
cially common in offshore black
oil gathering systems.
When all sink flowrates (q) are fixed, and the source pressure P is
known, the network is called a spur network. In the case of the second
figure above, the sum of the flow rates of nodes B through H equals the
flow rate at the source P (node A). All the flow rates are known, and
from these values, you can find the pressure at junction H through simple
single link calculations. Since cumulative rates are known along with the
starting pressure for every sub-branch of the network, the entire network
can be solved by simply “marching” towards each sink. Therefore, in the
case of spur networks, different links need not be solved simultaneously.
In some cases, only a few links in a network may be spur links. PIPEP-
HASE identifies these links and solves the remainder of the network
first, using the PBAL algorithm to perform a simultaneous solution.
Once it reaches this solution, PIPEPHASE continues to solve the
remaining spur links. There may be some cases in which PIPEPHASE is
able to solve the “main body” of the network, but may fail in solving the
spur links.
Looped Networks
PIPEPHASE solves networks iteratively. Whichever algorithm you use,
PIPEPHASE starts with an initial estimate of flowrates in all links and
pressures at all nodes. It adjusts these values until it has reached a con-
verged solution within a predefined tolerance. Because of the comple
nature of some networks, PIPEPHASE allows you to make adjustments
to a large number of parameters that it uses during the solution proce-
dure.
Networks which include loops fall into two basic categories -- those in
which all link flow directions are known, and those in which one or more
link flow directions are unknown. The former networks are described as
simple loops while the latter are known as complex loops.
In simple loops, you can instruct

PIPEPHASE not to attempt to
reverse flows during the solution
procedure. However, if you
incorrectly define a loop link
flow direction, and then instruct
PIPEPHASE not to reverse
flows during simulation, the network will fail to converge. In such cases,
PIPEPHASE will produce an error message, and you can inspect the
iteration history to find which link is producing the error by identifying
the link which has a near-zero flow.
Some network simulations

include more than one loop con- C_ebSU CY^[
figuration, where one or more of C_ebSU
the loops contains links in which / /
the flow direction is not known.
Such cases are known as com-
CY^[
plex loops. C_ebSU
34 Building the Flowsheet

This is common in existing designs, and must be addressed in a special
manner. Problems are usually not found in looped networks until at least
one simulation has been run. If the problem has not converged, you can
generate the full iteration output. You can then inspect this output report
to diagnose the problem.
In some cases, PIPEPHASE may decide to reverse the flow in a particu-

lar link in a loop. By doing this, the solution path begins to diverge and a
final solution is no longer achievable. Placing a check valve in that link
will prevent the flow reversal.
Entering Source and Sink Data
The most simplest flowsheet in PIPEPHASE is comprised of a source
connected by a link to a junction or to a sink. The source, junction, and
sink names must be unique, 4-letter alphanumeric names. For a network,
the first source name defaults to S001 and the source number is automat-
ically incremented as new sources are created. Then similarly, the first
junction begins with J002, and the first sink begins with D003.
For a single link, you must specify two of the following variables:
■ source flowrate (which is also the sink flowrate),
■ source pressure, and
■ sink pressure.
Inactivating Units
You can inactivate any source, junction, or sink on the flowsheet by
checking the box in the appropriate unit dialog box thus removing it
from the calculations.
Sources PIPEPHASE requires the properties of the fluid to calculate pressure

drops, heat transfer, and phase separation. There are two major classifi-
cations of fluid models: compositional and non-compositional. The
PIPEPHASE program supports all of the well known empirical methods
for determining the properties of oil, water, gas, and oil-water emulsions.
You must also define the total flowrate and pressure at the source. If
these values are to be set operating conditions, then you can indicate that
they are fixed values. If these are allowed to vary to meet specified pro-
duction values, then they can be entered as estimated values. If the pres-
sure is estimated, the inputted value will be used as an initial guess and
PIPEPHASE will calculate the correct source pressure. Note that the
choice of fixed or estimated may be limited by the boundary conditions
of the simulation. Similarly, the source flowrate must be either fixed or
estimated (default).
You can reference a source to another defined source by selecting the

Use Reference Source radio button. You can then define that flowrate,
temperature and/or pressure will be copied from another source.
36 Entering Source and Sink Data

Non-Compositional Sources
Besides the source name, the enthalpy, pressure, flowrate, gas/oil ratio
and water cut are required data for blackoil sources. If you do not pro-
vide a value gas/oil ratio (GOR) or water cut, they will both be set to
zero. A temperature value is also required for PIPEPHASE to compute
enthalpy changes between nodes during calculations.
Figure 21:
Black Oil Source
In addition to fluid composition and properties, you must specify the

fluid enthalpy at the source. For steam sources, you must define the pres-
sure and quality of a saturated steam source. The temperature must be
specified only if the steam is superheated ( quality 100%) or subcooled
(quality 0%).
When working with downhole nodes, you can specify the temperature at
a node if it is available (e.g. reservoir temperature).
Compositional Sources
Compositional sources are used to introduce fluid into the flowsheet for
the compositional fluid type. Besides the source name, the enthalpy,
pressure, flowrate and composition are required. The pressure and flow-
rate are the boundary conditions for the simulation and can be either
fixed or estimated. Any parameter that is estimated will be solved for by
PIPEPHASE.
The PVT property set refers to the two-point viscosity PVT data which
can be input and made available to any compositional fluid source.
Therefore, if appropriate, select the set associated with the source fluid.
Figure 22:
Compositional Source
Component data can be entered in three ways:

■ Enter the actual source composition, comprised of the library and
petroleum components.
■ Describe the source by distillation curve data rather than on a com-
ponent-by-component basis.
■ Reference the source composition to another source; flowrate, tem-
perature and/or pressure can also be copied from another source.
The temperature is required for a multi-component source in order for

PIPEPHASE to perform a flash calculation to ascertain fluid conditions
at the source. For a source with only a single component, you can define
the two phase enthalpy by the quality or single phase enthalpy by the
temperature. Liquid is defined by quality = 0 and vapor by quality = 100
(default). Quality is entered as vapor mass percentage.
Junctions A junction is a point at which at least three links enter and exit. If there is
just one link going in and one link coming out, then the junction is not
necessary and the link devices may be put on the same link. The net
flowrate in the junction is zero, since the flow in must equal the flow out.
PIPEPHASE allows a maximum of twenty sources linked to a given
junction. If you want to attach more than twenty sources, you should
enter them in sets of twenty into two separate junctions, and link the two
junctions together with a very short, large diameter pipe.
Besides the junction name, the junction pressure can be estimated. If a

pressure estimate is not given for the junction, PIPEPHASE will calcu-
late an estimated pressure. This pressure estimate is then used to deter-

mine the flowrate estimates based on the estimated pressure drop for
each link. Although specifying the junction pressure is optional, an ini-
tial estimate may prove useful in speeding up the solution.
You can enter the temperature of the rock formation at this junction,
which is used when the junction is subsurface.
Sinks Sinks are used to remove fluid from the flowsheet. The sink node
requires two parameters to be specified—pressure and flowrate. If these
are desired set points, then they can be entered as fixed values. However,
if they are to be calculated, you need to provide an initial estimate and
PIPEPHASE will calculate the final values. Again, note that the choice
of fixed or estimated may be limited by the boundary conditions of the
simulation.
Figure 23:
Sink
The sink temperature is generally calculated and is not available for data
entry. However, the sink temperature is required for gas lift simulations
when option 4, locate gas lift valve to match desired casing head, is used.
PIPEPHASE also provides you with two other units that you can add to
the flowsheet—hydrates and the calculator. These are described below.
Hydrates The Hydrates unit predicts the pressure and temperature regime in which
the fluid at a node (source, sink, or junction) is vulnerable to hydrate for-
mation. Different ranges of temperature and pressure can be examined.
Calculations assume the presence of free water for hydrates to form.
Hydrate calculations are available only for compositional fluid types.
You can also study the effect of NaCl, methanol, ethylene glycol, di-eth-
ylene glycol and tri-ethylene glycol hydrate inhibitors.
You can associate a hydrate unit with any source, sink, or junction; how-
ever, you cannot associate a hydrate unit with a link.
Calculator The calculator is a versatile utility module that allows you to perform
FORTRAN-like calculations on information from the flowsheet and to
transfer the results to other unit operations. The calculator interacts with,
and is calculated along with other flowsheet modules. Therefore, place-
ment is important for proper execution.
You can associate a calculator with any source, sink, or junction; how-
ever, you cannot associate a calculator with a link.
The calculator dialog box has two sections: the upper section for setup
(assignment of unit parameters to be retrieved from the flowsheet, ini-
tialization of constants, descriptive labeling of results, and sizing of
arrays); and the lower section for the procedure statements which per-
form the actual FORTRAN calculations.

Defining Links
Recall that a link is defined as a connection between two nodes. The link
can consist of one or more devices, and can contain a number of flow,
equipment, and completion devices. Figure 24 shows a typical link
between a source and a sink.
Figure 24:
Simple Link
CU`QbQd_b
3X_[U
#îðDeRY^W
&îð@YÙ CY^[
@e]`
?Ù^ãX_\Uð
3_]`\UdY_^
C_ebSU
Each link consists of a series of flow devices. Each flow device, in turn,
is characterized by its structure, pressure drop, and heat transfer parame-
ters. A pipe, riser, annulus, tubing, and Inflow Performance Relationship
model are all flow devices. All but the latter have length, may be hori-
zontal or vertical with an accompanying elevation change, and have
defined diameters.
Each flow device usually undergoes a pressure drop, which is dependent

upon the flow codes, roughness, and flow efficiency of each device. The
flow code defines which pressure drop and holdup method is to be used
for the calculations. The roughness is the pipe inside roughness in short
length units. Flow efficiency is given as a percentage. This parameter is
recommended only when other parameters have been varied in order to
match field data.
Heat transfer parameters can also be user-specified or left to default val-

ues. The ambient temperature may or may not have a vertical gradient.
The default overall heat transfer coefficient, U, is set to 1. More detailed
heat transfer parameters, such as conductivity of surroundings, insula-
tion, etc., are available if the you want to enter these values as well.
Pipe Pipes are flow devices through which fluid flows from one point to
another. Pipes can have any orientation (horizontal, vertical, or inclined).
The elevation change is defined on a relative basis, and the ambient tem-
perature is dependent upon the medium: air, water, or soil. Pipes can also
be insulated or left bare.
The mandatory data for a pipe device include

name, length and diameter. The optional data
dX
include elevation change, roughness, heat ^W
<U
transfer and pressure drop method. 5\UfQdY_^ð
3XQ^WU
For most systems, the total pressure drop

is dominated by frictional forces. The fric-
tion factor is determined by the fluid velocity, the pipe roughness and the
multiphase flow pattern. The fluid velocity is constrained by the flowrate
and the inside diameter of the pipe.
The heat transfer from the pipe is calculated at the same time as the pres-
sure drop. The heat transfer can either be turned off (isothermal), set b
an overall heat transfer coefficient or calculated from the specified sur-
roundings. The pipe, insulation and ambient conditions can all be set by
selecting the appropriate heat transfer option.
Initial default values for the Pipe Inside Diameter, Pipe Roughness, Heat
Transfer and Pressure Drop Method can all be set through the Global
Defaults dialog box, which can be accessed by clicking the correspond-
ing button on the toolbar:
Riser Risers are vertical or near-vertical with flow in an upward direction only.
Elevation is measured in an absolute basis, and there is usually an ambi-
ent temperature gradient with varying elevation. Heat loss is simulated
using an overall heat transfer coefficient between the fluid and ambient
conditions.
To specify a downcomer, you can use a pipe
with a negative elevation change. For oil or
gas well applications, tubing should be
5 \UfQ dY_^ used.
3XQ ^WU
Like the pipe, initial default values for the

Inside Diameter, Roughness, Heat Transfer
dX
^W
and Pressure Drop Method can all be set in

<U
the Global Defaults dialog box.
42 Defining Links
Tubing and Tubing and annuli have vertical or
Annulus inclined flow. Wireline length is defined
as the length from the surface to the pipe
end. Depth is the actual vertical depth
taken from the surface. Heat loss for tub- 4U`dX
ing and annuli is simulated using an over-
all heat transfer coefficient and <U^WdX
geothermal gradient.
Initial default values for the Inside Diame-

ter, Roughness, Heat Transfer, and Pres-
sure Drop Method can all be set in the
Global Defaults dialog box.
Reservoir The Inflow Performance Relationship (IPR) device models the relation-
Inflow ship between flowrate and reservoir pressure draw-down or pressure
Performance drop at the sand face in a well. Several IPR models are supplied in
PIPEPHASE. You can select from five standard models or you can write
Relationship your own subroutine and use it to model the inflow performance rela-
(IPR) tionship.
The Productivity Index (PI) model is used for single-phase liquid sys-
tems. The Vogel coefficient model is more suitable for multiphase, liq-
uid-dominated systems, while the gas flow model is best for multiphase,
gas-dominated systems. Alternatively, user-defined IPR models may be
linked to PIPEPHASE and data for them entered through the IPR device.
You can enter tables of reservoir pressure, cumulative production, Gas-

Oil Ratio, Condensate-Gas Ratio, Water Cut and Water-Gas ratio. These
are used in timestepping to simulate reservoir decline with time.
You can enter curves that correlate reservoir pressure or cumulative pro-
duction with flowing bottomhole pressure and flowrate. These data are
then regressed onto one of the standard models.
For an IPR with a gas basis, you can specify a drawdown formulation.
The Flow Well Pressure, P wf, curves in Figure 25 are user-supplied

curves generated from a reservoir simulator. Each individual curve is
based on the current reservoir conditions. The time-dependency of each
curve is based on the Reservoir Pressure, P r, or the Cumulative Produc-
tion, Np. With increasing Reservoir Pressure and decreasing Well Pres-
sure, the pressure gradient increases, and the production rate increases.
Since cumulative production varies inversely as Reservoir Pressure, the
opposite trend is observed for the dependence of production rate on
Cumulative Production.
Figure 25:
Flow Well Pressure
3e]â@b_T^äð>
Curves @
6\_gY^WðGU\\ð@bUccebUäð @gV
?B
BUcâ@bUccebUäð@b
@b_TeSdY_^ðBQdUäðA
The Linear Productivity Index equation shown above is valid only for
single-phase flow above Boiling Point Pressure (BPP). Q o denotes the
production rate, and PI the productivity index. This equation is derived
from the pseudo-steady state equation from Darcy’s Law.
Q o = PI ⋅ ( P r – Pwf ) (1)
Darcy’s Law applied to an oil well in the center of a reservoir is given as:
kh ( P r – P wf )
Q o = C ⋅ --------------------------------------------------- (2)
B o µ o ( ln x – 0.75 + S )
For gas wells, it is expressed as:

2 2
kh ( P r – P wf )
Q o = C ⋅ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (3)
µ g T r Z ( ln x – 0.75 + S + DQ )
where:
k = effective permeability
h = thickness
Bo = oil formation volume factor
µg = viscosity
x = shape factor
S = skin factor
D = non-Darcy flow constant
It is important to specify the basis for the Productivity Index model. The
default basis in PIPEPHASE is oil.
44 Defining Links
Solution Gas-Drive Reservoir
The Linear PI model is not valid for flow below the bubble point, in
which multi-phase flow may occur. This is the case with Solution Gas-
Drive Reservoirs. The IPR curve varies with cumulative production.
Vogel (1968) modeled this variation by deriving the following equation:
Qo P wf P wf 2
- = 1.0 – 0.2  -------- – 0.8  --------
----------- (4)
Q max  Pr   Pr 
Above the bubble point:

1.8 ( Q max – Q b )
PI = -------------------------------------- (5)
Pb
where Qb is Qo at the bubble point.
Figure 26:
@ bY
Inflow Performance
Curves; Vogel’s Curve @ gV > @ð-ð @ gV
Below Bubble Point @b
> @ ðáð>
A_ A _áA ]Qh
Fetkovich’s Gas Flow Equation

The Fetkovich equation (1975) is derived from the radial flow equation,
and is expressed as:
2 2 n
Q g = C p ( P r – P wf ) (6)
This equation can be expressed graphically by taking three well-test data

points and plotting them on a logarithmic scale, as shown above. The
resulting line will have a slope n, where 0.5 < n < 1.0, and the intercept is
log Cp. The greater values of the slope n indicate laminar flow, while
smaller values indicate turbulent flow.
The Forsheimer (Laminar-Inertial-Turbulent) equation is analogous to

the Fetkovich equation.
2 2 2
( P r – Pwf ) = AQ g + BQ g (7)
Plotting (Pr2-Pwf2)/Qg will yield a line of slope B and intercept A.
Figure 27:
Three-Point h
Isochronal
Test for Gas Flow C\_Ùð-ð^
Coefficients
\_WðA 7 h
9^dUbSU`dð-ð\_Wð3 @
\_Wðè@b"ðãð@gV" ç
Horizontal Wells
Typically, one observes 3-10 times productivity increase in horizontal
wells. The key simulation issues in these cases are:
■ IPR segmentation for increasing velocity
■ Velocity gradient component of pressure drop
■ Coning
Bottomhole Bottomhole completion describes the interface between a reservoir and a

Completions well. There are two types of completion: gravel packed and open perfo-
rated. The pressure drop through a completion is calculated from perme-
ability and other data you input.
PIPEPHASE uses the Jones model for gravel-packed completion and the
McLeod model for open-perforated completions. The McLeod equations
are based on radial flow, while the Jones equations are based on linear
flow.
Figure 28: =S<U_Tð?Ù^ã@UbV_bQdUTð3_]`\UdY_^ :_Ûcð7bQfU\ã@QS[UTð3_]`\UdY_^ð=_TU\

Completion Models
SQcY^W deRY^W
SU]U^d 3becXUTðj_Û
cQ^TðcSbUU^
3U^dUb\YÛ
@UbVðTYQ]UdUb @UbVðTYQ]UdUb
@UÛdbQdY_^ðTU`dX
de^Û\ð\U^WdX
TbY\\ðX_\UðbQTYec
46 Defining Links
Equipment This section describes link devices available in PIPEPHASE that have
Devices not yet been described in this chapter.
Pumps are equipment devices used to increase the pressure in a liquid

line. Pump devices are not available for steam or single-phase gas fluids.
The mandatory data for a pump device includes the pump name and one
of the following: power, outlet pressure, or pump curve (flowrate vs.
head). The optional data for a pump device include adiabatic efficiency
number of stages, maximum pressure and maximum power. Pump
devices should only be used for incompressible fluids.
If the fluid is compressible, then the compressor unit should be used

instead. You can also set limiting conditions in the form of maximum
power and maximum pressure (discharge). To specify suction pressure,
you must use the multi-stage compressor. The multi-stage compressor
describes a single or multi-stage, multi-train compressor station. It can
model the effect of intercoolers and scrubbers. This unit cannot be used
for steam systems. If you specify the suction (inlet) pressure for this unit,
a special subnetworking algorithm is invoked. This algorithm sizes the
compressor power requirements.
A heater/cooler simulates the addition or removal of heat to a fluid. You

must specify pressure drop and either: total heater/cooler duty or outlet
temperature. You may also set limiting conditions (optional) by specify-
ing a maximum duty and/or a minimum/maximum temperature.
A separator removes a defined portion of a selected phase from a multi-

phase stream. It can separate vapor, liquid, liquid water and/or conden-
sate. The fluid that is removed is lost unless it is reinjected. You must
specify either the flowrate or percentage of the required phase to be
removed. This device does not operate with steam, and is valid for com-
positional fluids, black oil and condensate problems. The latter problems
can be treated by selecting a qualifier for a particular effluent phase.
The injection device is used for introducing an injection stream from a

lateral source or re-introducing a stream from a separator to a point
downstream. Equipment devices cannot be used on the separated stream,
but you can flash the stream to the desired temperature and pressure.
This device is only used for compositional fluids in single links, and it
can also be used for compositional fluids from separators in networks.
A check valve prevents flow reversal in a given link. You must specify a
check valve diameter when implementing this device. You can change
the check valve discharge coefficient. This device is especially useful in
network calculations.
The gas lift valve injects a gas stream into the production tubing, to
enhance fluid recovery. You must specify gas flowrate, and you can
change gas solubility in oil. This device can be used only for blackoil
fluids, and gaslift problems. A separate liftgas PVT data set is required
in order to properly describe the gas used.
A regulator is used to fix the pressure in the link immediately down-

stream from it if the upstream pressure is greater. If the stream pressure
is lower than the regulator pressure, then the regulator does not change
the downstream pressure. This device is especially useful in network cal-
culations. The regulator unit allows you to specify suction pressure as
well.
A choke restricts flowrate and creates a pressure drop. This device intro-
duces a discontinuity into the defined network structure. The balance
between the parts of the network upstream and downstream of this
device is solved by PIPEPHASE’s subnetworking algorithm, which sizes
the choke. You must specify the choke diameter, and you can vary the
choke discharge coefficient, as well as the heat capacity ratio.
An electric submersible pump is an equipment device used to increase

the pressure in a liquid line. Pump devices are not available for steam
fluids. You must provide one of the following: power, outlet pressure or
pump curve plus motor horsepower, auxiliary power, head degradation,
minimum submergence, casing head pressure, or vertical pressure gradi-
ent.
Orifices, nozzles and venturimeters are fitting devices used to restrict or

to measure the flowrate through the pipe. If being used to restrict the
flowrate, the pressure drop across an individual orifice, nozzle or ventu-
rimeter may be large. You must supply the inside diameter of the inlet,
type of orifice and the orifice diameter.
Pipe tees are fitting devices used to merge two pipes into one or split one
pipe into two directions. To be consistent, the tee should be the last
device in a link going to a junction The junction node should have two
other links either entering or exiting. Any other arrangement of a tee will
be modeled as if the third end of the tee is capped off. Pipe bends are fit-
ting devices used to change the direction of the flow.
DP-DT devices simulate equipment for which no standard PIPEPHASE

model exists. These devices are typically used to model the performance
of specially designed valves and fittings. For these devices, you supply
data relating the fluid flowrate, the pressure change and the temperature
change in tabular form. These devices can model Wellhead Productivity
accurately. If a wellhead flowrate versus pressure graph is available, data
from the well test or from the simulation can be used to eliminate the
wellbore from the problem.
48 Defining Links
Setting up a Case Study
The Case Study option provides the facility to perform parametric stud-
ies and to print multiple problem solutions in a single computer run.
Case studies are always performed after the base case problem has been
solved. If the base case problem cannot be solved for any reason, then no
case studies are performed. Each case study analysis is performed based
on the cumulative changes to the flowsheet up to that time.
Case studies are an efficient means of obtaining solutions for multiple

scenarios to a given problem, and result in large savings in both com-
puter time and cost. For problems requiring iterative solutions, the con-
verged results of the last solution are used as the starting values for the
next run. This can result in large computer time savings in runs involving
large networks, where it typically takes several iterations to move from
the initial pressure estimates to the final converged solution.
There is no limit on the number of parameters varied per case study or on

the total number of case studies that can be in a given run. The cumula-
tive changes up to a given case study run may be erased and the original
base case restored at any time. PIPEPHASE allows you to perform 10
cases and 10 changes per case.
Since the case studies are performed sequentially in the order you input,
it is best to make changes in an orderly manner, proceeding from high
values to low values or low values to high values, but not in random
order. This enhances convergence and minimizes total computer time.
Entering You can enter case study data before you run the base case. When the
Case Study program runs, the base case will be executed first and the case studies
Data will be executed afterwards. Alternatively, you can run the base case
first, then enter case study data and execute the case studies. You can
open an already solved flowsheet, add case study data to it and then exe-
cute the case studies.
You must specify which parameters are to be changed. For each parame-
ter you must supply the:
■ Change Variable Names—select a source node, sink node, link device,
constraint, or network convergence parameter on which the case
study is based.
■ Data Source—set data to a specified value or have a calculator set the
values for you.
■ Parameter—list box displays all the parameters that can be changed
for that particular item. These are explained in greater detail later in
this chapter.
■ Change Variable To—the value for the parameter being changed.
Figure 29:
Example Case Study
Parameter
Change Types You can make changes in three different ways.
Global Changes —You can change one parameter in the entire problem
using a global command. You do this by supplying the type of parameter
you want to change, its old value, and the new value. Only those speci-
fied parameters with that old value will then be changed.
Individual Changes —Source, sink, and device parameters can be changed

individually. You must specify a name for each source, sink, or device
where a parameter change is desired.
Cumulative Changes—When performing case studies, you must keep in

mind that any variable changes you input are cumulative. That is, the
variable you change in the first case run (after the base case) remains
changed for the next run, unless you specify that base case parameters
are to be restored.
Variables Source and Sink Variables

When performing case studies on sources, you can vary the pressure,
temperature, or flow rate at the source, regardless of fluid properties. The
number of additional variable parameters is dependent upon the type of
fluid you are working with.
50 Setting up a Case Study

When working with compositional fluids, you can also vary the compo-
sition of the source stream. In cases of black oil studies, the Gas/Oil
Ratio (GOR) and Water Cut parameters can be changed. For Gas Con-
densate fluids, you can vary the condensate/gas ratio or the water/gas
ratio. For steam, you can change the quality.
Although there are few variables one can vary in the sink, these are of
prime importance in the design of production fields. The desired flow-
rate (production) at the sink often determines the efficiency or feasibility
of a given design. Thus, the flow rate is one of the allowable case study
variables for the sink, as well as the pressure and the injectivity index.
Pipe Variables
In many wells, the inlet (reservoir) and outlet (wellhead) parameters are
usually desired or fixed values, and the equipment linking the two are
subject to adjustments to meet specific production goals. Such equip-
ment includes the connections in the system, such as pipes, tubing,
annuli, and risers.
PIPEPHASE can vary the inner diameter (nominal or actual), roughness,

heat transfer coefficient U, and/or the pressure drop for each of these
connection devices. Additional parameters can be varied for each dis-
tinct component. For pipes, you can vary the length, the elevation
change, and or the ambient temperature of the surroundings. For tubing
and annuli, you can also vary the temperature gradient. When working
with an annulus, you can also change the outer diameter.
Device Variables
Variation of device variables is especially useful when you are modeling
an existing system. It would be impractical to change the connections,
such as the pipes or tubing, and so if performance specifications are not
being met, the easiest parameters to vary are found in these devices.
For pumps and compressor, you can change the power, pressure, and
efficiency. You can also vary the number of stages (i.e. single stage or
multistage compressor/pump), and certain parameters such as curves and
efficiencies can be varied for different stages.
In heat exchange networks, you can vary the duty, outlet temperature and
pressure drops of any heaters or coolers present.
In links, when working with Inflow Performance Relationship devices

(IPRs) you can vary the Productivity Index (PI), and/or the coefficient or
the exponent in the corresponding IPR model (e.g. coefficient in Fetkov-
ich gas deliverability model, exponent in the Vogel equation).
Executing Click the Run button to execute the simulation. By default, the Base
the Case Case and all case study cycles will be executed. You can restrict this
Study using the Execution Options list option in Case Study Parameters and
Results dialog box.
A Case Summary report is always produced at the end of the output file.
It shows the node pressures, temperatures, and flowrates for each case.
52 Setting up a Case Study

Working with Keyword Input Files
Keyword input files (.INP) are free format ASCII text files that define a
PIPEPHASE simulation using specific commands known as keywords.
You can import and run keyword files within the graphical user interface.
Keyword files play many important roles in PIPEPHASE:
■ They provide an alternate interface with the PIPEPHASE calcula-
tional module.
■ They allow you to maintain compatibility with simulations that were
run with earlier versions of PIPEPHASE.
■ If you need help with a simulation, you can send your keyword file
to SIMSCI for technical support.
■ They provide a compact means of storing simulation input.
■ If you have several similar flowsheets to run, you can create the first
simulation within the GUI and then modify its keyword file for each
scenario.
You can import existing keyword files into the GUI using the Import...
option from the File menu.
Keyword files are easy to read and understand and data are entered in the
following order:
GENERAL DATA
COMPONENT DATA
NETWORK DATA
THERMODYNAMIC DATA
PVT DATA
STRUCTURE DATA
UNIT OPERATIONS DATA
CASE STUDY DATA
Running the Simulation
The PIPEPHASE solution algorithm can be used to solve any type of
pipeline network, from complex, multiphase looped systems to single-
phase gas transmission lines. This chapter describes network calculation
methods, techniques for achieving better convergence, and the run
options available in PIPEPHASE.
Internally, PIPEPHASE generates a set of material and pressure balance

equations from the input data, and proceeds to solve these equations
simultaneously using a Newton-Raphson scheme and a matrix solver. As
will be seen in the following section, almost any combination of flow
and pressure node conditions can be solved, which gives you tremendous
flexibility in solving a wide variety of problems.
To assist in setting up networks and to follow good simulation practice:

■ Each boundary node should have one fixed value and one estimated
value.
■ At least one boundary node pressure must be fixed.
Pressure Balance Method

The methodology for determining the pressure and flow distribution in a
pipeline network is based on a pressure balance ( PBAL) solution algo-
rithm.
From a network flow balance, the PBAL algorithm first identifies the set
of starting link flows which is the minimum set of link flow rates that
completely define the network flow distribution. Spur links, which are
flowrate-specified isolated sections that do not affect the rest of the solu-
tion, are identified and solved, independently of the general network
solution. The primary variables for the solution matrix are the starting
link flowrates and all unknown pressure values at source boundaries.
Pressure imbalances are computed at all fixed pressure sink junction
node boundaries, as well as at nodes with two or more incoming flows.
Mass Balance Method

The mass balance (MBAL) solution method is used to provide PBAL with
a good initial estimate of the flow and pressure distribution in the net-
work. This method may also be selected for single phase networks. The
algorithm is based on the principle that the sum of all flows into (and out
of) all nodes in a network must equal zero in steady-state.
54 Running the Simulation

Calculation To perform pressure drop and heat transfer calculations, PIPEPHASE
Methods divides each flow device into calculation segments. The segment calcu-
lation takes into account frictional, elevational, and accelerational pres-
sure drop components. Frictional pressure drop is due to the shear stress
between pipe wall and fluid. Elevation pressure drop is a result of the
conversion of fluid potential energy into hydrostatic pressure and the
accelerational pressure drop is the gain or loss in pressure due to changes
in velocity of the fluid.
In addition to the pressure balance of the pipe segment, an energy bal-

ance is also performed. There must be a balance between energy coming
into the segment and energy leaving it. Energy can enter or leave with
the fluid or through the flow device walls. The transfer through the walls
is governed by the temperature difference between the average fluid
flowing temperature and the ambient temperature and by the overall heat
transfer coefficient.
Forward The calculation segment and pressure drop and temperature change
Traverse equations are the heart of PIPEPHASE’s calculational capability. For
flow devices, the calculation segments are strung together and the solu-
tion procedure is sequential. Calculation begins at the inlet where the
conditions are known. The heat and momentum balance equations are
solved, in an iterative fashion for this first segment and the conditions at
the other end are found. These calculated conditions become the known
conditions for the inlet to the next segment. Calculations progress
sequentially until the end of the device is reached. Further flow devices
are calculated in the same way until the end of the link is reached. This
calculational method is a forward traverse method, which means that the
calculation proceeds in the direction of the flow.
Calculation PIPEPHASE works in segments to determine the pressure, temperature,

Segment hold-up, and flow pattern distribution in all flow devices: pipe, riser, tub-
ing string or annulus. A segment is the smallest calculation increment of
a larger length of pipe, as shown in Figure 30.
Figure 30: WXðgQ\\c

QdðdbQ^cVUbðdXb_e 6\eYTðêð8UQdð?ed
Pipe Segment 8U
@?edäD?ed
@1fWäD1fW ð1^W\U
@9^äD9^
6\eYTðêð8UQdð9^
Separate segment sizes can be specified for all horizontal (pipe) and ver-
tical (tubing, annulus, riser) flow devices, either as segment length or the
number of segments per device, through the Network Calculation Meth-
ods dialog box. These options should be considered prior to any simula-
tion involving significant changes in fluid density. Almost all multiphase
and single-phase gas applications, as well as single-phase liquid models
with sharp thermal gradients fall under this classification.
A flow device may be internally divided automatically by PIPEPHASE

into several compositional segments based on a maximum limit to the
enthalpy change per segment. This includes pipes, risers, or tubing.
A shorter segment size will increase the accuracy of the simulation at the
expense of computation time. If you are unsure of an optimal segment
size, the simulation should be run first with default segmenting. In sub-
sequent runs, you should adjust segment sizes on the basis of the results
of the prior simulations until the optimal point is defined.
Solution Figure 31 outlines the segment calculation procedure for every pipe, tub-
Algorithm ing, annulus, and riser for compositional and steam systems.
Figure 31: CD1BD

PIPEPHASE Solution
Algorithm
79F5>ð@!äD!ä8!ä4<ä]
5CD9=1D5ð∆Dðêð∆@
_edUbð\__`
Dð-ðD!ðåð∆Dá"
@"ð-ð@!ðåð∆@5CD
31<3E<1D5#∆85CD
D"ð-ðD!ðå#∆D
EC9>7ð851Dð21<1
Y^Ûbð\__`
31<3E<1D5ð8"
@ð-ð@!ðåð∆@á" ∆8ð-ð8"ðãð8!
∆@ð-ð∆@5CD
31<3ð6<E94ð@B?@Câ
31<3ð∆@5CD >? ∆D-∆D∆8á∆8?<4
_∆85CDð0#∆8_?#ε8
∆@-∆@5CD
>? I5C
_∆@5CD#0#∆@_?#ε3
CD?@
This procedure is iterative, and it requires average conditions of pressure

and temperature in order to calculate the phase equilibria and physical
properties of the system. These values are then used for the pressure
drop and energy balance calculations. To achieve this, PIPEPHASE
employs an inner loop for the convergence on pressure, and an outer
loop for enthalpy convergence.
For black oil or single-phase fluids where there are no enthalpy calcula-
tions, the segment calculation procedure reduces to a single iteration
loop.

Line Sizing For single links, PIPEPHASE can calculate the sizes of pipes, risers, and
tubing to meet either a pressure drop or a maximum velocity criterion.
You can select from three options:
■ One flow device with fixed source and sink pressures.
■ Multiple flow devices with fixed source pressure and maximum
velocity specification.
■ Multiple flow devices with sink pressure and maximum velocity
specification.
With a fixed source pressure and sink pressure, PIPEPHASE sizes all
flow devices to the same diameter. With a fixed source or sink pressure
and maximum velocity, PIPEPHASE sizes each device separately.
You can select all flow devices to be sized or you can select only particu-
lar ones for sizing. You can also supply a set of maximum velocities and
a corresponding set of diameters or slip densities.
During the sizing run, PIPEPHASE checks to see if a device size is such
that a maximum velocity is not exceeded. If this specified or calculated
maximum velocity is exceeded, then PIPEPHASE will select the next
higher line size. Recall that if a range of line sizes is not specified,
PIPEPHASE defaults to the schedule 40 inside diameters. You can over-
ride this list by specifying your own preferred line sizes. Note that the
line sizing option does not result in a decrease of the device diameter.
The maximum velocity can be based on one of two criteria. If desired,

you can enter a set of maximum velocities corresponding to a set of
inside diameters or densities (economic velocity). If you do not enter this
data, PIPEPHASE will use the erosional maximum velocity criteria,
VEM, as shown below.
100
Tabular Data Default VMAX = f ( ρ f ) = --------- (8)
ρf
You can change the value of the erosional velocity constant, which is
100 above. You can also enter values for the two-phase slip densities cor-
responding to the set of maximum velocities.
Sphering Sphering of a wet gas pipelines is a common operating practice to

(Pigging) improve the flow efficiency of the pipeline. PIPEPHASE uses a modi-
fied form of the Barua-modified-McDonald-Baker (MB) pigging model
to simulate the sphering process. The MB model is a successive steady
state model. Normal two-phase flow is represented in Figure 32.
Figure 32:
Normal Two-Phase 6\_g
Flow (Stratified)
The pig is launched after steady state flow has been reached. After the
pig has been launched four distinct zones of flow occurs in the pipeline -
the re-established two phase flow zone, the gas flow zone, the liquid slug
flow zone and the undisturbed two-phase flow zone. The model assumes
that the inlet flow rate remains constant at the steady state rate after the
pig has been launched.
Figure 33:
Two-Phase Pipeline 6\_g
Flow with Spheres
BUãUcdQR\YcXUT <YaeYTðC\eWðJ_Û E^TYcdebRUTð

Dg_ã@XQcUð6\_g Dg_ã@XQcUð
6\_gðJ_Û
PIPEPHASE predicts the pressure profile, length of each zone and the
position of the sphere as a function of time. In addition, when the liquid
slug reaches the end of the pipeline a special slug delivery model is used
to model the slug delivery when the liquid slug accelerates. Next calcula-
tion continues after slug delivery is completed to calculate the time it
takes for steady state flow to be re-established in the pipeline.
The first sphere must be launched at the inlet of the first pipe. Subse-
quent pigs may be launched from downstream pig launching stations
when the upstream pig(s) reach the downstream pig launching station.
To model the pigging process the pig diameter must be specified in the
first pipe. To specify downstream pig launching stations, specify the pig
diameter for the corresponding pipe. The program interprets the launch-
ing station to be the inlet of the pipe.
Setting the For networks that require iterative calculations, you can set the pressure
Calculation convergence tolerance for the solution. For instance, if you do not spec-
Tolerances ify a tolerance pressure value, PIPEPHASE allows for a tolerance of 2
psi. It will then perform the required iterations until it reaches a pressure
that is within 2 psi of the desired value. Setting tighter tolerances results
in more accurate solutions, at the expense of more calculation time. The

tolerance should commonly range between 0.5 to 5 psi for pressure. If
you anticipate a large drop in pressure, then it may be appropriate to set a
higher tolerance. Conversely, for small pressure gradients, you should
set a tighter tolerance value.
PIPEPHASE allows you to specify tolerances for other parameters, as

well. When using the MBAL method, you can specify the flow tolerance,
with the units depending on the fluid type (bbl/day for liquid and black
oil, MM ft3/day for gas and gas condensate, and MM lb/hr for composi-
tional fluids and steam). You can also specify temperature tolerance for
MBAL networks.
For PBAL network solution methods, in addition to the pressure toler-

ance, you can also specify the rate to improve convergence in networks
with chokes in critical flow.
Getting The best way to ensure that PIPEPHASE calculations converge for a par-
Better ticular network is to make sure that the problem is structured properly
Convergence before running the simulation. The following are a few general recom-
mendations on how to set-up networks to avoid the majority of problems
during the solution procedures. These recommendations are preventive
measures rather than actual troubleshooting guides for non-converging
simulations. Such simulations may require greater attention, depending
on the severity of the error.
1. If you specify fluid flowing from a node of low pressure to another of

larger pressure, PIPEPHASE will not be able to calculate a solution,
unless it reverses the flow. There are cases where the sink node will have
a greater pressure than the source node after a solution is reached, as in
the case of a pump in a single link. Also, in cases of downhill flows, if
gravitational forces are dominant, the flow may be a direction contrary to
the pressure gradient. Generally, you should supply pressure estimates
only at nodes where a value can be confidently predicted.
2. Every internal node (junction) must have at least one outflowing link and
at least one inflowing link. The junction node should only be used in two
circumstances:
■ The network structure dictates that one or more links are joining
together or splitting apart.
■ You require the generation of a phase envelope or two-phase flo
map or flash report (compositional runs only) at a particular point in
the network which is not described by any other node.
3. There are no other reasons for using junction nodes other than the two
previously given. Adding unnecessary nodes only serves to increase the
size of the matrix and so increase computing time. Therefore, while
there is a tendency for neatness in input by splitting long links into
smaller links using junctions, you should bear in mind the possible detri-
mental effect on the simulation solution procedure.
Thus, reducing the number of junctions results in quicker convergence.

In the figure shown below, two extra junctions (unnecessary) have been
taken out while still retaining all the flow devices.
Note: Outside of their uses that have been previously indicated, junc-
tions must be viewed as simulation devices only, and should
not be confused with any physical representation of the plant.
4. The first two primary guidelines for good simulation practice when set-
ting up any network simulation in PIPEPHASE are:
■ There should be only one link to a sink node.
■ There should be only one link from a source node.
In the preceding discussion about junctions, we noted how useful it

would be to eliminate superfluous nodes. In the case depicted below, it
would seem that we are contradicting this principle by adding two junc-
tions to the already existing design. However, the two guidelines given
above take precedence over the number of junctions in the network. In
other words, it is preferable to have more junctions rather than to have
more than one link coming from a source or going into a node.
In some cases, two or more links can be attached to a source or a sink, as

shown below. To overcome this limitation, you can construct a “dummy”
pipe to connect the source to a junction. This pipe should have a near-
zero pressure drop (short length, large diameter). Similarly, you can con-
nect a “dummy” pipe to the sink. PIPEPHASE can then solve the result-
ing network.
2UddUb
CX_bdð@YÙ
CX_bdð@YÙ
<QbWUð94
<QbWUð94

5. Some solution paths may oscillate widely due to flow reversals. To pre-
vent flow reversal in specific links, you can implement a regulator into
the network. Regulators can be used as zero-pressure drop devices that
force flow in a specific direction. For instance, if a certain link is experi-
encing multiple flow reversals, you can use a regulator to stabilize these
oscillations. In the case of flow reversal in interconnected links, you
should use the check valve only in the link that causes the first flow
reversal. Generally, you should avoid the excessive use of check valves.
If all the link flow directions are known, however, you can select the No
Flow Reversal option instead of specifying a check valve in every link of
the network.
If solution path oscillates widely due to flow reversals:

■ Use No Flow Reversal option if flow direction in every link is known
■ Use Check Valves in key links if direction is not known in every link
■ Use Flow Rate Damping
Run Options You can run a PIPEPHASE simulation in several ways:

■ Interactively—run and solve the active simulation.
■ Run Other—launch other user applications from the PIPEPHASE sim-

ulation environment.
■ Run Remote—allowsyou to create a simulation on your PC and run it
on a remote UNIX machine.
Interactive To run your PIPEPHASE simulation interactively, click the Run button
Run on the toolbar, or select File/Run from the menu bar. The Run Simulation
Capabilities and View Results dialog box appears. From this dialog box, you can
check simulation data, run simulations, stop and restart simulations, and
link to the Results Access System (RAS) programs.
Figure 34:
Run Simulation and
View Results Dialog
Box
The following options can be selected for running a simulation:

Solve Network—solves the problem as a steady state solution. A keyword
input file ( .INP) is first written and the batch execution is initiated. If an
input file already exists, you are asked if it should be overwritten.
Nodal Analysis—performs detailed engineering analysis of nodes within a

single link.
Line Sizing—performs detailed engineering analysis of line sizing within a

single link.
Create Keyword File—generates a keyword file from the designated source.
Run Keyword File—runs the selected keyword file.
Component Lumping—generates the binary components from the compo-

nent lumping data. This option appears for compositional transient sys-
tems only. The component lumping operation can be run at any point in
the modeling as long as components have been defined. [ TACITE only]
Transient Simulation—solves the system using transient simulation data.

[TACITE only]
Report options will be discussed in the next chapter.

Run Other The Run Other option allows you to to launch other user applications
from the PIPEPHASE simulation environment. This is useful for run-
ning additional engineering applications such as the POPOHZN horizon-
tal well model developed by JNOC. To access other applications:
➤ Click Run Other... within the Run Simulation and View Results dia-
log box.
➤ Select Properties... to configure the application. This allows you to
name the application and specify the commands used to invoke the
application.
➤ Use Browse... to find an executable application.
The configuration also supports additional commands such as specifica-

tion of the initialization file. For example, the RAS application could be
configured as follows:
Application Title: Results Access
Application Run File G:\SIMSCI\PPHASE\GUI\WINRAS.EXE
Application Argument List: /i=G:\SIMSCI\PPHASE\USER\PIPEPHASE.INI
Run Remote PIPEPHASE gives you the ability to create a simulation on your PC and
run it on a remote UNIX machine. When you install PIPEPHASE, a
batch file named XXREMOTE.BAT will be added to your GUI directory,
typically \PIPEPHASE\GUI. This file will allow you to access the remote
batch capabilities of PIPEPHASE, assuming that you have the PIPEP-
HASE calculation engine on a networked UNIX machine. Normally, you
should not need to modify this file. In order to use the Run Remote fea-
ture, you must define the settings for your configuration.
➤ Select File/Remote Settings from the menu bar.

➤ Check the Run Calculations on Remote Computer box to enable this
option.
➤ Check the Minimize Screen During Execution box to have the pro-
gram run in the background.
You must supply the following information:

■ The operating system local on your PC.
■ The host name, user ID, and user files directory path for your remote
host machine.
➤ Select either the TELNET or RSH option for communicating with the
remote host.
➤ For the TELNET option, you must also supply a user password.
Viewing the Results
In addition to the standard output report format, you can generate and
view plots, tables, and flowsheet diagrams from PIPEPHASE. This
chapter describes how to view these simulation results through the flow-
sheet, output file, and the Results Access System, and how to integrate
them into accurate, professional reports.
Interactive You can interactively view summary results for sources, junctions, and
Output sinks in two ways:
■ Select View Output from the menu bar, and make your selections
from the View menu. According to your selection, the node and link
labels, pressures, temperatures, and flowrates are displayed directly
on the flowsheet.
■ In the View Output mode, double-click on a source, junction, or

sink. The temperature, pressure, and total liquid flowrate (oil +
water) for that node is displayed, as shown below.
You can interactively view summary results for links by double-clicking

on the link when the program is in the View Output mode. The Link Plot
Selection dialog box appears. PIPEPHASE provides you with four plot
types.
Note: To view these plots, select Device Detail as Part, and Plots as
Part under Print Options from the General menu before run-
ning the simulation.
64 Viewing the Results

For example, the Pressure versus Distance plot is shown below.
Figure 35:
Pressure vs. Distance
Plot
Output You can examine most of your simulation results through the output
Report report (.OUT) file. PIPEPHASE contains a wide variety of report options
for customizing your output format. In the Print Options dialog box, you
can choose, amongst other things, which portions of the input data you
would like reported. The default print options are given in Table 10
below.
Table 10: Default Print Options

Print Option Default Setting
RAS Database None
Input Reprint Full
Device Detail Summary
Device Style Both
Property Data None
Plots None
Flash Report Full
Link Slug Report* None
Iteration Printout Off
Connectivity Plot On
Flow Regime Map Off
Optimization Printout Control Part
* Item is activated only when Device Detail is set to Part or Full.
The output report for your simulation is automatically generated after

the simulation has converged. To view the output report, select Output
Report from the Report list box in the Run Simulation and View Results
dialog box, and click View . The report is opened in the Programmer’s
File Editor, provided by PIPEPHASE. PIPEPHASE appends the .OUT
extension to your file name and saves the output file in the same direc-
tory that you saved your simulation files. The default directory is C:\SIM-
SCI\PPHASE\USER.
The output from a PIPEPHASE simulation is in three main sections

which correspond to the three phases of the PIPEPHASE simulation run.
These are the input check and input data reprint; intermediate solution
history and output; and the final results output. PIPEPHASE will only
continue from one section to the next if no errors are detected. If errors
are found, either in the input data or during the solution procedure itself,
self explanatory messages will be printed and the simulation will either
terminate or, in the case of a solution procedure error, PIPEPHASE will
try to resolve the problem and continue with the simulation.
A reprint of your keyword input data file is always created for each out-
put file. PIPEPHASE cross-checks the data for logic and consistency. By
default, it also prints out the full set of input data which shows all the
default values used, as well as the user-supplied data. All, or part, of this
full input data reprint can be suppressed if desired via the Print Options
dialog box.
During solution of a network, PIPEPHASE iterates until it converges to

within the tolerance you set, or that which is set by default. A summary
of any errors or warnings encountered during that iteration will be pro-
duced at the end of each iteration. The iteration option can be used to
request additional printout which shows flowrates and pressures at each
iteration of the solution path. This can be particularly useful if you have
inadvertently given conflicting specifications in the problem setup and
the program has failed to resolve the inconsistencies.
If well test data have been specified, the inflow performance coefficient
is calculated before the solution calculations and the report appears in
the intermediate output.
The solution output is made up of a number of sections, as indicated

below:
■ Flash Report ■ Results Summary
■ Separator Report ■ Link Device Detail Report
■ Link Summary ■ Link Property Detail Report
■ Node Summary ■ Slug Report
■ Device Summary ■ Case Summary
■ Structure Data Summary ■ Sensitivity Analysis
■ Velocity Summary ■ Sphering Report

Flash Report A flash report is produced by default for each node in a compositional
run unless property tables are being used. This report contains the tem-
perature, pressure, composition, flowrate, and properties for each phase
present at each node.
Link Summary The link summary is produced by default for all PIPEPHASE simula-
tions and shows the flowrates, pressure, temperature, and holdups for
each link in a tabular format. The flowrates displayed are the volumetric
rates at actual flowing conditions for each phase. A negative flowrate
indicates that the fluid flow is opposite to the way it is drawn on the
flowsheet.
Node Summary The node summary is produced by default and shows the flowrates, pres-
sure, and temperature at each node in a tabular format. The flowrate is
shown for each phase, but the flow basis depends on the fluid type. For a
single-phase liquid or gas, standard volumetric rates are shown. For a
compositional fluid, weight flowrates and gravity are also given.
Device The device summary is produced by default and summarizes each device
Summary (pipe, fitting, or item of process equipment) in the order in which they
were defined in the link. The table in the report shows the correlation
used, inside diameter, length, elevation change, liquid holdup, and the
outlet temperature, pressure and liquid fraction. For compositional flu-
ids, a phase envelope and its data points are shown. The Taitel-Dukler
Flow Regime map is produced for two-phase flow.
Results The Results Access System (RAS) is a post-processing feature in

Access PIPEPHASE that allows you to configure and view text reports, tables,
System and plots of transient results data. RAS provides multiple formats to dis-
play the data in an effort to satisfy the range of available software to all
users.
To prepare data for RAS, your run must contain the command to create a
database in order to use the RAS. This command is found in the Print
Options dialog box. The database is not required for Sensitivity Analysis
and Gas Lift simulations as the RAS produces customized plots to view
these results.
To run the Results Access System:

➤ After the simulation has converged, click Results Access System in
the Run Simulation and View Results dialog box.
➤ To activate this dialog box, select File/New to create a new RAS
database.
➤ Select your file with extension .RAS.
Figure 36 shows the PIPEPHASE RAS dialog box.
Figure 36:
Results Access
System
From the General menu, your options are:

Output Format Changes—change the output units of measure of all results
for the current simulation.
Report Options—allows you to choose the plotter used to graph data.
Tables Tables display results numerically, in a sorted or grouped manner with

appropriate headings. They are viewed in a spreadsheet application. A
minimum of one plot definition is required. PIPEPHASE RAS allows
you to plot inlet/outlet data or all segments data for either the base case
or the optimized case. The table is organized by device, link or variable,
as you desire. Table title is optional and will be defaulted if left blank.
The options within the X-Variable list box are Total Length, Horizontal
Length, Device Length, Pressure, and Temperature.
➤ To create a table, click View/Edit... for Table Options from the

SIMSCI PIPEPHASE RAS dialog box (Figure 36). The RAS Table
Options dialog box appears.
➤ Define the table type and the data to be tabulated.
➤ Click Add to specify the table variables from selections in the RAS
Table Data Options dialog box.
Table data options depend on the simulation type and device link data.
➤ Make your Device and Variable selections from the list boxes and
click Add Selection when complete.

Figure 37:
Table Data Options
Dialog Box
➤ When you’ve added all your selections, click toDone

return to the
RAS Table Options dialog box.
➤ Click View to display the table.
Figure 38 shows an example of a table created in RAS. Both the base

case and case study are shown for both devices in the link.
Figure 38:
RAS Table
Plots PIPEPHASE allows you to view multiple user-selectable dependent

variables on the same plot. You can analyze data along the length of the
pipeline for the base case or any other case in the case study. When mul-
tiple segments are defined, there is an option to plot the segments at the
actual location along the pipe, or plot all points with a starting length of
zero. This option is recommended for comparing device data.
➤ To create a plot, click View/Edit... for Plot Options from the SIM-
SCI PIPEPHASE RAS dialog box (Figure 36). The RAS Plot Options
dialog box appears.
The options within the X-Variable list box are Total Length, Horizontal
Length, Device Length, Pressure, and Temperature. Plot labels are
optional and will be defaulted if left blank.
➤ Define the data to be plotted and enter label names.
➤ Click Add to specify the plot variables from selections in the RAS
Plot Data Options dialog box.
Note that this dialog box is essential identical to the Table Data Options
dialog box (Figure 37). Plot data options depend on the simulation type
and device link data.
➤ Make your Device and Y-Variable selection from the list boxes and
click Add Selection when complete.
➤ When you’ve added all your selections, click Done to return to the
RAS Plot Options dialog box.
➤ Click View to display the plot.
Figure 39 shows an example of a plot of the temperature profile along a

heavy crude pipeline.
Figure 39:
RAS Plot
Plot Viewer
You have a choice of viewing these plots in either the SIMSCI Plot
Viewer or Microsoft Excel 5.0/7.0 Plotter. Plotting graphs in the Plot
Viewer is convenient in saving CPU time and conserving RAM. How-
ever, you cannot edit the format or display of the graph in this Plot
Viewer. If you want to edit the presentation of the graph, such as format
the axes labels, change the legend, or use different fonts for the title, etc.,
you should use Microsoft Excel.

Fluid Flow Basics
When one encounters the complexity of multiphase fluid flow, the ques-
tion arises as to why it would not be simpler to design systems which
separated phases at or close to the source, thereby encouraging single
phase flow throughout the network. This would eliminate the need for
the complex calculations that multiphase flow demands, saving time
from both a design and maintenance perspective. So, why bother with
multiphase flow at all?
The answer lies in the practical and economical concerns in the con-
struction of piping networks. Multiphase flow is especially economical
in an offshore environment. Building large separation equipment at the
wellhead would be difficult and expensive, due to the high cost of off-
shore platform space. Another concern regards safety issues. Bulky
equipment offshore introduces greater fire hazards and requires more
maintenance. Furthermore, it is easier to build and maintain a few sepa-
rators in one site than to support a number of separators spread out
across a large field. The most practical and economical design, therefore,
would be to take the multiphase fluid at the source, transport it through
pipes to the onshore facility, and perform the separations onshore.
Single- The theoretical basis for fluid flow equations is the general energy equa-
Phase Flow tion, which expresses the balance or conservation of energy between two
points in a system. The energy equation can be modified, using thermo-
dynamic principles, to form a pressure gradient equation, as shown in
equation (9). This equation describes the pressure variation in a pipe
inclined at some angle θ to the horizontal.
------- =  ------- +  ------- +  -------

dP dP dP dP
dL  dL elevation  dL friction  dL acceleration
2
dP g fρν ρν dν
------- = ----- ρ sin θ + ----------- + ------ ------ (9)
dL g c 2g c d g c dL
The elevation change component is applicable to compressible or incom-

pressible, steady state or transient flow, in both vertical and inclined
flow. It is zero for horizontal flow only. For downward flow, sin θ is neg-
ative, and the pressure increases in the direction of the flow.
The friction loss term applies to any flow at any pipe angle. It always
causes a pressure drop in the direction of the flow. In laminar flow, fric-
tion losses are linearly proportional to fluid velocity. In turbulent flow,
these losses are proportional to vn, where 1.7 ≤ n ≤ 2. The friction factor,
f, in the frictional losses term, is a function of the Reynolds number and
pipe roughness.
The acceleration term is zero for constant area, incompressible flow. For
any flow condition in which a velocity change occurs, as in the case of
compressible flow, pressure drops in the direction of increasing velocity.
Friction The friction factor, f, is a ratio of the pipe wall shear stress to the kinetic
Factor energy per unit volume. It is a function of the absolute roughness of the
pipe divided by the inside diameter. It is also dependent upon the Rey-
nolds number, which is the ratio of inertial forces to the viscous forces
acting on the fluid. When the Reynolds number is small (Re < 3000) vis-
cous forces are dominant, and the flow is said to be in the laminar flow
region. Higher Reynolds numbers indicate dominant inertial forces, and
this region is called turbulent flow. Laminar flow is characterized by a
parabolic velocity profile, while a flat velocity profile is observed in tur-
bulent flow.
ε ρνd
f = function  ---, Re , where Re = ---------- (10)
d µ
Figure 40: BUð,ð# BUð.ð#

Single-Phase Flow <Q]Y^Qbð6\_g DebRe\U^dð6\_g
@QbQR_\YSð@b_VY\U 6\Qdð@b_VY\U
Several correlations have been developed expressing the dependence of f

upon the ε/d ratio and Reynolds number. One commonly used correla-
tion for the single phase friction factor is the Moody diagram.
Multiphase In the past (and in some cases, even today), it was common practice to
Flow use the simplistic correlations used for single-phase flow, and to extrapo-
late them to describe multiphase flow. If pure liquid flow had some given
flow characteristics, and pure gas flow had another, then logically, two-
phase flow should be a composite of these two flow regimes. Not only is
this not the case, but the pressure drop between the two cases differs b
at least one order of magnitude. As we shall see, the simple definitions
that we have applied to parameters such as the friction factor, are subject
to more rigorous analysis in the case of multiphase flow.
72 Fluid Flow Basics

Pressure Drop The pressure gradient function given in equation (9) applies for any fluid
in any steady state, one dimensional flow, in which friction (f), density
(ρ), and velocity (v) can be defined. The definition of these variables is
what causes most of the difficulty in describing two-phase flow.
The calculation of pressure gradients requires values for certain flo

conditions, such as velocity and fluid properties. These fluid properties
include density, viscosity, and in some cases, surface tension. When cal-
culating these values for multiphase flow, one encounters certain mixing
rules and definitions unique to this application. Before adapting the pre-
viously derived pressure gradient for multiphase conditions, one should
define and analyze some of the more important properties pertaining to
multiphase flow.
Equation (10) below is of an identical form as that for single phase flow,
but one should note that the subscript m (for multiphase) denotes that
these parameters are not set values, but can be dependent on the flow
conditions. In particular, they are dependent on the relative distribution
of the gas and liquid phases.
------- =  ------- +  ------- +  -------

dP dP dP dP
dL dL elevation  dL friction  dL acceleration
2
dP g f m ρ m ν m ρ m ν m dν m
------- = ----- ρ m sin φ + ------------------- + ------------- --------- (11)
dL gc 2gc d g c dL
Liquid Holdup Liquid holdup is defined as the ratio of the volume of a pipe segment
occupied by liquid to the volume of the pipe segment. That is,
AG volume of liquid in a pipe segmen AL
H L = ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- = ------------------ (12)
AL volume of pipe segment AL + Ag
where V = Vg + VL and A = Ag + AL.
The value of HL varies from zero, for single-phase gas flow, to one, for
all liquid flow. The most common method of measuring liquid holdup is
done by isolating a segment of a flow stream between two quick-closing
valves, and then measuring the amount of liquid trapped. The remaining
space is occupied by gas, and this space is referred to as gas holdup or
gas void fraction. This is denoted by Hg and is related to HL by:
Hg = 1 - HL
No-Slip Liquid Holdup

No-slip liquid holdup is defined as the ratio of the volume of the liquid in
a pipe segment divided by the volume of the pipe segment which would
exist if the gas and liquid traveled at the same velocity (no-slippage).
This ratio is calculated from the measured gas and liquid flowrates by
the equation:
qL
H LNS = ----------------
- (13)
qL + qg
where qL and qg denote the in-situ liquid and gas flow rates, respectively.
Note that the liquid holdup HL is not equal to the no-slip liquid holdup
HLNS.
To illustrate the difference between liquid holdup and no-slip liquid

holdup, consider the example given in Figure 41. These two cases
describe two-phase fluid flow along a pipe. The first case describes an
uphill flow, while the second case indicates downward flow.
Figure 41: Uphill Downhill

Liquid Holdup
Dependency on
Elevation
f7 f7
f< f<
VL < VG VL ≥ VG
HL > HLNS HL ≤ HLNS
In the case of uphill and horizontal flow, the gas flows more quickly than
the liquid. This is due to the greater influence of gravitational forces
upon the liquid than the gas. Also, the less dense gas phase is much more
buoyant, or lighter, than the liquid, and flows upward more easily. There-
fore, since Vg (velocity of gas) is greater than VL (velocity of the liquid),
then from the previous equations describing HL and HLNS, we can see
that HL > HLNS. Mathematically,
AL qL AL VL
H L = ------------------ > H LNS > ----------------- = ------------------------------------
- (14)
AL + Ag q L + qg ( AL V L + A g V g )
In the case of downhill flow, gravitational forces exert a greater force

upon the liquid than the gas, and therefore, the liquid is pulled downward
at a greater velocity than the gas (due to greater liquid density). Since VL
> Vg in this case, the same equation applies, but the inequality is
reversed:
HL ≤ HLNS

Horizontal Whenever two fluids with different physical properties flow simulta-
Flow Patterns neously in a pipe, a wide range of possible flow regimes exists. The flo
pattern of a given system refers to the distribution of each phase in the
pipe relative to the other phase(s). Numerous studies have given rise to
standard names given to particular patterns, some of which are shown in
Figures 42 through 44.
Figure 42: 1^ê\Qb GQfi

Segregated Flow
CdbQdYVYUT
Figure 43: =Ycd 2eRR\U

Distributed Flow
Figure 44: @\eW C\eW

Intermittent Flow
Many pressure loss correlations rely heavily on a knowledge of the exist-

ing flow patterns in a given pipe. The description of these flow patterns
is what distinguishes the engineer’s approach to multiphase problems
from other perspectives. To clarify this point, examine the following:
■ From a mathematical perspective, the introduction of another phase
in a fluid flow problem introduces three new equations into the prob-
lem (mass balance, energy balance, and pressure gradient). The
interdependence of these equations along with those of the other
phase brings much complexity to the problem.
■ From a design perspective, the new phase gives rise to another com-
plication: flow patterns. From the acceptable flow patterns illustrated
in these figures, one has another parameter to define the system.
■ From a physicist’s perspective, the second phase modifies the sonic
wave propagation of the system. Sound travels faster through a liq-
uid medium than in a gaseous medium, and so one would expect
sound to travel in a two-phase medium at a speed somewhere in
between the liquid and gas systems. Contrary to this expectation,
sound actually travels an order of magnitude slower in two-phase
systems than in either liquid or gas mediums.
■ Finally, from an engineering perspective, the addition of an extra
phase gives rise to flow patterns, of which the slug flow pattern,
illustrated in Figure 44, is the most troublesome and complex to deal
with. In single phase flow, the goal was to maximize the capacity of
the flow system. In multiphase flow, the goal invariably is to predict,
minimize or even eliminate slug flow.
The prediction of flow patterns for horizontal flow is more difficult than
for vertical flow. In horizontal flow, the phases tend to separate due to
differences in density, causing a form of stratified flow to be very com-
mon. When a pipe is inclined at some angle other than vertical or hori-
zontal, the flow patterns take other forms. For inclined upward flow, the
pattern is almost always slug or mist. The effect of gravity on the liquid
precludes stratification. For inclined downward flow the pattern is usu-
ally stratified or annular.
Flow Regime Recall that the general pressure gradient equation was composed of three
Correlations terms: an elevation term, a frictional term, and an acceleration term. The
elevation term depends on the density of the two-phase mixture and is
usually calculated using a liquid holdup value. The friction term requires
the evaluation of a two-phase friction factor (recall Moody diagram in
single phase calculations). The acceleration term is usually negligible
unless dealing with cases of high flow velocities.
The correlations that have been developed for predicting two-phase

flowing pressure gradients differ in the manner they use to calculate the
three individual pressure gradient components. The correlations are too
numerous to describe in detail, so it will suffice to point out the main dif-
ferences between the multiphase and single phase correlations.
Multiphase correlations are based on mixture velocities (sum of superfi-

cial velocities, rather than actual velocities). Flow patterns must be taken
into account, and these are functions of the superficial velocities, inclina-
tion angle, and fluid physical properties. Liquid holdup must also be
known to calculate the corresponding density and viscosity values. The
friction factor is dependent upon all these aforementioned parameters,
and the choice of which correlation to use to evaluate f depends on the
demands of the simulation or calculation. These equations are presented
below:
qL qG
Superficial Velocities v SL = ----- , v SG = ------
A A
Liquid Holdup ρ m = H L ρ L + ( 1 – H L )ρ G
µ m = H L µ L + ( 1 – H L )µ G

Mandhane Flow Regime Map
The relative distribution of gas and liquid in pipes is known as flow pat-
tern or flow regime. In 1972, G. W. Govier and K. Aziz demonstrated
that the importance of relative volumes of each phase on flow pattern
suggests that logical coordinates for a simple flow pattern map are vSG
and vSL, the superficial velocities (as opposed to earlier work, which
used mass flux rates as coordinate axes). In 1974, J.M. Mandhane
extended the work of Govier and Aziz and constructed the Mandhane
Horizontal Flow Pattern Map, which is shown in Figure 45.
Figure 45:
Mandhane Flow =Ycd C\eW
Regime Map " â
!â
2eRR\U 1^ê\Qb
fC<
â!
â !
â! !â ! â ! #
fC7
CdbQdYVYUT GQfi
To illustrate the use of the Mandhane map, consider the following exam-
ple: given the following data for a wet gas pipeline, calculate the flow
regime:
Gas flowrate = qg = 18.0 ft3/sec
Liquid flowrate = qL = 0.77 ft3/sec
Pipe diameter = 16.0 in. = 1.33 ft
Calculating the superficial velocities yields values of 12.9 ft/sec and 0.55
ft/sec for the gas and the liquid, respectively. Using the Mandhane map,
we see that this falls within the slug flow region. In fact, many of the
problems encountered in industry reveal pipelines that flow in the slug
flow regime.
The work of Mandhane is restricted to horizontal pipes, but in common

practice, it is almost impossible to get a completely horizontal pipelines.
In most, if not all, cases, slight inclinations will occur, and even small
changes in inclination angle (<1°) can cause dramatic changes in the
flow regime.
Taitel-Dukler-Barnea Flow Regime Map
In 1976, Y. Taitel and A. Dukler extended the Mandhane study to
account for variations in pipe inclination. The Taitel-Dukler Map is an
excellent model which gives a mechanistic analysis of flow regime
boundaries for horizontal and near-horizontal flow. (Barnea later
extended this analysis to the range of inclination angles.) The basis for
this model is that the most common flow regime for horizontal flow is
stratified liquid. To consider other flow regimes, they examined the
mechanism by which a change from stratified flow could be expected to
occur.
Figure 46:
Taitel-Dukler Flow '%â
2eRR\i
Regime Map
! â
9^dUb]YddU^d
fC<ðèVdácUSç
!â 1^ê\Qb
â! CdbQdYVYUT
CdbQdYVYUTð
GQfi
C]__dX
â !
â! !â ! â ! â ) â
fC7ðèVdácUSç
Taitel and Dukler presented criteria for the following changes of flow
regimes:
■ Stratified to Intermittent
■ Stratified to Annular
■ Intermittent to Dispersed Bubble
■ Stratified Smooth to Stratified Wavy
■ Annular to Intermittent or Dispersed Bubble
They used this criteria to predict the flow regime for both horizontal and
near-horizontal flow. They did not state an inclination angle at which
their flow regime boundaries are no longer valid. They superimposed
their criteria upon the existing Mandhane map to generate the flow
regime shown in Figure 46, which shows the effect of inclination on
transition boundaries.
The Taitel-Dukler results reaffirmed the observation that slight positive

inclination angles promote slug formation and slight negative inclina-

tions promote stratification. Their studies revealed that angles as low as
±1° cause significant changes.
Duns and Ros Flow Regime Map

The work of Duns and Ros is an example of the more rigorous studies
involving vertical multiphase flow. They considered the contribution of
both slip and flow regimes, eliminating common simplifications such as
the no-slip condition. They developed correlations to predict liquid
holdup and friction factor, and they also developed methods to predict
which defined flow regime exists at a given point.
Figure 47:
! "
Duns and Ros Flow
Regime Map
! BUWY_^ð9 6b_dXð6\_gð
><F
@\eW BUWY_^ð99
6\_g BUWY_^ð999
!
^
cYdY_
2eRR\U
6\_g
DbQ^
C\eWð6\_gð
! ã! =Ycdð6\_g
ã! ! ! ! " ! #
!
>7F
The flow regimes are defined as functions of the dimensionless quanti-

ties Ngv (Gas Velocity number) and N Lv (Liquid Velocity Number).
These are shown in Figure 47 above. There are four main flow regimes
which may occur in a vertical pipe.
Region 1: Bubble Flow Region.The pipe is almost completely filled with liq-
uid and the free gas phase is present in small bubbles. The bubbles move
at different velocities and except for density, have little effect on the
pressure gradient. The liquid phase is always in contact with the pipe
wall.
Region 2: Slug Flow Region.The gas phase is more pronounced. Although

the liquid phase is still continuous, the gas bubbles coalesce and form
plugs or slugs which almost fill the pipe cross section. The gas bubble
velocity is greater than that of the liquid. The liquid in the film may
move downward at low velocities. Both the gas and the liquid have sig-
nificant effects on the pressure gradient.
Region 3: Mist Flow Region. Thegas phase is continuous and the bulk of the
liquid is entrained as droplets in the gas phase. The pipe wall is coated
with a liquid film, but the gas phase predominantly controls the pressure
gradient.
Transition Region.The change from a continuous liquid phase to a continu-

ous gas phase occurs. The gas bubbles may join and liquid may be
entrained in the bubbles. The gas phase effects are predominant, though
liquid effects are also significant.
Ansari Flow Pattern Map

The Ansari correlation is also available in PIPEPHASE for modeling
upward two-phase flow. In 1988, A.M. Ansari developed a comprehen-
sive model composed of a sub-model for flow-pattern prediction and a
set of independent mechanistic models for predicting flow characteris-
tics such as holdup and pressure drop in bubble, slug, and annular flow.
The first step in this analysis is the development or prediction of flo

patterns. Based on the work of Barnea, Taitel, et.al., Ansari predicted
different flow patterns by defining transition boundaries among bubble,
slug, and annular flows. This Ansari Flow Pattern Map is shown in Fig-
ure 48.
Figure 48:
Ansari Flow Pattern
4YcÙbcUTð2eRR\U
Map
" 3
CeÙbVYSYQ\ð<YaeYTðFU\_SYdiðè]ácç
!
1
2eRR\i
!
2QbÛQ
DbQ^cYdY_^
2
! C\eWð?bð3Xeb^ 1^ê\Qb
4 4
ã!
!
! ã! ! ! "
!
CeÙbVYSYQ\ð7QcðFU\_SYdi
Boundary A shows the transition from Bubble to Dispersed Bubble flow

which occurs at high liquid rates. In this transition, turbulent forces
break large gas bubbles down into small ones.
Boundary B shows the transition from Bubble to Slug flow, which is

characterized by the coalescence of small gas bubbles into large Taylor
bubbles.

Boundary C is the transition that occurs at high gas velocities, in which
the dispersed bubble flow is dominated by turbulence that prevents any
agglomeration.
Boundary D, the transition to annular flow, is based on the gas-phase

velocity required to prevent the entrained liquid droplets from falling
back into the gas stream. Barnea modified this transition point by taking
into account the effect of liquid film thickness.
The second step is the development of physical models for the flow
behavior in each flow pattern. This results in distinct models for bubble,
slug, and annular flow. Due to the complexity of churn flow, it is not
modeled separately, but is treated as part of slug flow.
Addressing The approach one takes towards a multiphase problem is considerably

Problems different from that taken for a single-phase system. Although both con-
Unique to cern the solution or evaluation of the pressure drop equation, the multi-
Multiphase phase problem involves parameters that are not only dependent upon fac-
Flow tors absent in single-phase calculations (i.e. holdup), but are also interde-
pendent with each other. Many correlations for multiphase flow,
therefore, demand a simultaneous or iterative solution for certain param-
eters. For instance, many equations used for predicting two-phase flow-
ing pressure losses can be solved explicitly for a two-phase friction
factor. However, the resulting equations are usually a function of liquid
holdup. Therefore, a valid comparison of friction factor correlations
would rely on using data for which measured holdup data, as opposed to
predicted values, were available.
These correlations themselves are dependent upon the flow regime.

Many correlations for pressure drop and/or liquid holdup are only valid
for specific regimes. Use of the Mandhane map for horizontal systems
provides an accurate tool for “placing” a particular system in a flow
regime. However, the Mandhane map is restricted to horizontal flow, and
when inclinations are present, as they almost always are, then the Taitel-
Dukler-Barnea Flow regime map provides a more accurate description of
the system.
Phenomena Heading Phenomena in Vertical Upward Flow

Unique to In single-phase vertical upward flow, the pressure gradient increases
Multiphase with increasing flowrate, as expected. A different phenomena is
Flow observed for two-phase flow. To understand this, recall that the pressure
gradient expression has three components: an elevation term, a friction
term, and an acceleration term. At low flowrates, the pressure gradient is
dictated by the elevation term. In this region, the pressure drop decreases
with increasing flow rate. The flow is unstable at this level, and in indus-
try, one may observe sporadic, irregular fluid flow (i.e., alternating
between no flow to sudden spurts of fluid flow).
Figure 49:
Modeling Vertical 6bYSdY_^ð4_]Y^QdUT
Upward Flow Dg_ã@XQcUð6\_g ∆@VbYSdY_^
∆@
5\UfQdY_^ðT_]Y^QdUT
E^cdQR\Uð CdQR\Uð6\_g ∆@U\UfQdY_^
6\_g
ðaèWQcç
When more gas is present, the elevation component is not as significant

and the friction component begins to predominate. With lower pressure
drops, the amount of gas in the pipe increases, and at a particular point
(indicated by the minimum of the U-shaped curve in Figure 49) fric-
tional forces dominate, and one observes an increase in the pressure gra-
dient with increasing flow rate. This is the stable region of flow.
This phenomena is unique to two-phase flow because of the large differ-

ence between liquid and gas densities. In single-phase flow, there is no
critical point at which the density of the system changes dramatically
with lower pressure or higher flowrate. Density remains roughly con-
stant. When two-phases are present, however, one reaches a “critical”
flowrate at which density, and consequently elevation, factors are over-
ridden by frictional forces, giving rise to this phenomena.
Terrain-Induced Slugging
. . . .
This phenomena is very common when liquid flows at a very slow veloc-
. .. .. . .
. . . . .. .. .
.. .... .
. . . .. . . .
. . ....
...
. . . .. .. .. . . . . . .. .. .. .. . . . . . . .
. . .. . . .... . .. . . .
. . . . . .. . .
.. . .
.
..
. . ..
ity in a downward direction, then has to climb after a certain point. Low
liquid velocity makes it very difficult for the fluid to ascend the pipe, and
thus, liquid tends to settle down at the valley between the two pipes. Liq-
uid builds up until the flow space is completely occupied, blocking any
gas from passing through. At this point, pressure builds up constantly
until it is large enough to actually force the liquid to flow upwards along
the pipe. This type of flow falls in the slug flow regime, and gives rise to
the term, “terrain induced slugging.”

Small Pressure Recovery in Downward Stratified Flows
Gravitational forces predominate downward stratified flows. In single
liquid-phase downward flow, one measures a distinct pressure gradient
between the inlet and outlet of a pipe. In the presence of gas, however,
this pressure recovery decreases significantly, due to gravity’s negligible
effect on the gas. Using gas phase models in these cases models the flow
regime better, and in doing so, the calculated pressure recoveries are
much lower than those expected for liquid systems.
Flow Patterns
As demonstrated in the Taitel-Dukler-Barnea map, flow patterns are
strongly influenced by pipe inclination. This is especially significant
because one almost always has slight inclination in even horizontal
pipes. Angles of 1° can produce dramatic differences in flow regimes.
Heat PIPEPHASE performs an energy balance on pipes, risers, tubing, and

Transfer annuli. The heat transfer depends on the fluid temperature, properties,
Calculations and flowrate, the temperature and properties of the surrounding medium,
and the heat transfer coefficient between the fluid and the medium.
PIPEPHASE does not model heat transfer to the surroundings for fittings
and equipment devices.
For non-compositional gas or liquid fluid models, you can suppress heat
transfer calculations for individual flow devices, by specifying isother-
mal calculations in the general gata list.
PIPEPHASE uses a default value for the overall heat transfer coefficient,
U, of 1.0 BTU/hr-ft2°F. You can also specify different U values either
globally or for individual components.
For a pipe or tubing, you can supply an overall coefficient or you can
request detailed heat transfer calculations. Detailed heat transfer calcula-
tions are invoked when you input any one of the parameters required to
carry out the calculations. You also supply data for ambient temperature
and geothermal gradient.
The resistance to heat transfer in wellbores consists of a steady-state

component (resistance from tubing to wellbore) and a transient compo-
nent (resistance from wellbore to rock). The transient effect is modeled
by the Ramey FTD function, which is an analytical solution to the diffu-
sivity equation for a homogeneous medium.
For partially buried pipes, PIPEPHASE uses a modified form of the

Neher formulation to account for heat transfer in the buried part. The
Neher formulation applies to totally buried pipes.
PIPEPHASE uses the Churchill correlation to model heat transfer in the
different flow conditions in a pipe—laminar, turbulent, and the transition
region between laminar and turbulent flow
For many pipelines, a balance must be reached between the retention and
addition of heat. Heavy crudes usually have such high viscosities and
sensitive temperature-viscosity functions that it is important to keep the
flowing temperature as high as possible. Waterflood lines in cold envi-
ronments must be kept above the freezing point. Liquid dropout and
hydrate formation in gas and gas/condensate lines can be limited by
maintaining or increasing the flowing temperature. There are two ways
of doing this —insulate the line or install heaters along the line. PIPEP-
HASE allows up to five layers of insulation for pipes, with user-specified
or default conductivities. For onshore pipelines, burying the line or cov-
ering it with earth is sometimes an effective means of retarding heat loss.
For offshore pipelines, burying the pipe prevents damage by protecting it
from anchors or offshore construction material. Generally, some combi-
nation of heaters, insulation, and burial constitutes an optimum or nearly
optimum operation. Arctic environments usually disallow the burial
option because of damage to the permafrost layer.
If the compositional fluid model is used, PIPEPHASE performs rigorous

heat transfer calculations while taking into account compression and
expansion heating effects as well. In the case of downhole applications,
you can also input a temperature gradient.
Temperature Heat flow through pipes is characterized as:

Calculations
Q = uπd ( T f – T A )L (15)
1
U = ----------------------------------- (16)
∑ Resistances
PIPEPHASE calculates heat loss in pipes to determine the temperature
changes. Equation 15 shows the basic function for calculating heat loss,
Q, over a segment of length L. T f and TA are the temperatures of the
fluid and ambient medium, respectively. The pipe diameter is given by d,
and U represents the overall heat transfer coefficient.
For pipes in PIPEPHASE, the U-value defaults to a value of 1.0 BTU/hr-

ft2°F, unless you specify otherwise in the input. PIPEPHASE is able to
rigorously calculate the U-value, and also allows you to override individ-
ual heat transfer coefficients, if desired.
Figure 50 shows a cross-section of a pipe, including each “layer”

through which heat must pass to be transferred from the fluid to the sur-
roundings, or vice-versa. These layers have an overall resistance com-
prised of the sum of the resistances of the individual layers.
Figure 50:
Insulation Layers 9^cYTUð6Y\]
Cebb_e^TY^Wcð
èc_Y\äðQYbäð_bðgQdUbç
@YÙðGQ\\
9^ce\QdY_^
The U-value for a pipe is calculated from equation (16) above. Overall
resistance is given by:
Σ Resistances = Rinside, film, + Rpipe + Rinsulation + Rsurr + Rinside + Rout-
side + Rrad
Resistance Due T
RInside, Film Boundary layer on the inside of the pipe
RPipe Material from which the pipe is made
RInsulation Insulation (up to five concentric layers)
RSurr Surroundings (soil, air, water)
RInside An additional fluid resistance inside the pipe (user-defined)
ROutside An additional ambient fluid resistance on the outside of the pipe (user-
defined)
RRad Radiation
The last three terms, additional resistance inside the pipe, additional
resistance outside the pipe, and radiation, are optional entries.
Large The phenomena previously described must be restricted to horizontal

Elevational flow. When you impose large elevation changes in pipes, the temperature
Changes profile of the fluid takes on a different form than those shown in the pre-
ceding graphs. When fluid flows downward, as shown in Figure 51,
heating effects occur due to the change in elevation (higher fluid veloc-
ity, and therefore, higher kinetic energy). Due to this heating effect, the
fluid temperature actually approaches an asymptotic temperature that is
greater than the ambient temperature. Note the pronounced difference
between this case and the Joule-Thomson effect. In horizontal flow, the
fluid temperature drops below the ambient temperature, but in the cases
of large elevation, the fluid temperature does not even reach the ambient
value.
Figure 51: <

Large Elevational
Changes
∆z
φ
PIPEPHASE performs more rigorous enthalpy calculations for the com-
positional model (to satisfy the enthalpy balance), and the resulting tem-
perature profile for this case more accurately simulates that produced b
a non-compositional model. A graphical comparison of the composi-
tional and non-compositional model are shown in Figure 52.
Figure 52:
Rigorous Heat
Transfer
3_]`_cYdY_^Q\ð6\eYT
D
:_e\UãDX_]`c_^ðS__\Y^W 1]RYU^dð
DU]ÙbQdebU
>_^ã3_]`_cYdY_^Q\ð6\eYT
4YcdQ^SU
Gas lines coming down mountains often exhibit the behavior shown by
the compositional model in Figure 52. This model incorporates the heat-
ing effects due to the change in elevation. Note that the fluid temperature
does not drop to the level of the ambient temperature.
In the case of the non-compositional model, the fluid temperature drops

down to the ambient value. This illustrates that by employing more rig-
orous heat transfer calculations, severe design errors, such as wrong
pipeline sizing, can be avoided.
Effects of The importance of the effect of temperature on all system calculations

Temperature cannot be overstated. Since temperature can have profound effects on
fluid properties, phase split, pressure drop/holdup, hydrate formation,
wax deposition, and flow pattern (among other parameters), any changes
in temperature need to be modeled as accurately as possible.
Of primary importance is the effect of temperature on fluid properties.

These properties influence most, if not all, of the major calculations that
PIPEPHASE performs. Since temperature affects the gas-liquid phase
split, pressure drop and holdup calculations are very sensitive to temper-
ature gradients. This determines the flow regime (flow pattern) of the
system, upon which the pressure drop calculations are based (i.e., fric-
tion factor correlations). PIPEPHASE also has a built-in correlation to
determine the point and the type of hydrate formation with the composi-
tional model.

Applying PIPEPHASE to Downhole Operations
PIPEPHASE’s downhole capabilities include the following applications:
■ Gas Lift Analysis
■ Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP)
■ Time Dependent Production Planning
Gas lift analysis is used to investigate the effects of lift gas on well pro-
duction. Another common method of artificial lift is the electrical sub-
mersible pump (ESP) . These pumps improve the productivity of wells
with flow rates ranging from a few hundred barrels to tens of thousands
of barrels per day.
Production planning involves the time-dependent interaction between

the producing formation(s), and all of the wells, gathering lines, and sur-
face facilities in an oil or gas field, and the impact of this interaction on
the overall development strategy of the operating company. PIPEPHASE
supplies this capability through its time-stepping feature.
Gas Lift Problem—The bottom hole pressure is too low to support the fluid column
Analysis in the well.
Remedy—Reduce the density of the fluid column by injecting gas into the
tubing.
Dilemma—Gas injection creates additional back pressure which reduces

production rate.
Reservoir pressure decreases gradually once a field is brought into pro-

duction. Often there arise situations where the reservoir pressure
becomes so low that it is insufficient for the well fluids to reach the well-
head. In these cases, the pressure in the tubing must be artificially
boosted, or lifted, to enable the reservoir fluids to reach the surface. Such
procedures can be performed by using artificial lift methods. Gas lift is
one of the more common artificial lift methods used in the petroleum
industry. Other methods include sucker rod pumping, electric submers-
ible pumps, and plunger/chamber lift, to name a few.
In gas lift, the object is to introduce gas near the bottom of the tubing
string. This injected gas “lightens” the fluid between the injection point
and the wellhead. Thus, the available bottom hole pressure becomes suf-
ficient to lift this column of aerated fluid to the top. Gas can be injected
continuously (continuous gas lift) or in spurts (intermittent gas lift).
PIPEPHASE allows you to model a continuous gas lift analysis, in
which you can specify the fluid properties of the gas, specify valve loca-
tions, as well as other parameters.
Figure 53 shows a typical gas lift installation where gas is injected down
a packed annulus and oil and gas are produced through the tubing.
Although the reverse case is sometimes possible (though very unusual),
it is not presently supported by PIPEPHASE.
Figure 53: @G8

Gas Lift
3QcY^Wð8UQTð@bUccð
@38@
9^ZUSdY_^ðBQdUcðaY^Z
! ðVdâ
E^\_QTY^Wð7Qcð<YVd
ðFQ\fUc " ðVdâ
# ðVdâ
?ÙbQdY^Wð
9^ZUSdY_^ð
7Qcð<YVdðFQ\fU
4U`dXð
In this case, we assume that the static fluid level is somewhere between
the topmost valve and the wellhead. Once gas is injected through the
annulus, the topmost valve is designed to open first. This “lightens” the
fluid above the topmost valve, causing a reduced pressure on the valve
second from the top. The second valve then opens, injecting more gas
into the tubing. This process repeats as more and more valves keep open-
ing. Once a lower valve opens, the upper valves are normally designed to
close. You will see that the gaslift effects generally increase with depth.
Only the bottom most valve allows gas passage into the tubing. This is
called the operating valve . The valves above this one merely help in
bringing the well into production (i.e. unloading the well). They are
therefore called unloading valves. In steady-state operation, PIPEP-
HASE can calculate the depth of the operating valve.
Designing a The main problems faced by the engineer in gaslift design include:
Gas Lift
System ■ How much gas should be injected?
■ At what depth should gas be injected?
■ What is the casing head pressure limit?
88 Applying PIPEPHASE to Downhole Operations

■ What is the wellhead pressure required for target flowrate?
■ What is the depth of the operating valve?
There are four options in PIPEPHASE for gaslift analysis:

■ Generate the pressure profile for a
fixed oil production and lift gas rate.
■ Generate a table of oil production ver-
sus lift gas rate for fixed pressures.
■ Locate the gas injection valve to match
required tubing head pressure.
■ Locate the gas injection valve to match
required casing head pressure.
This dialog box appears as part of the simulation definition, and there-
fore you must enter data into one of these options before continuing on
to the next dialog box. You can access these options again anytime by
selecting Special Features/Gas Lift... from the menu bar.
Gaslift analysis is limited to single link, black oil, continuous gaslift sys-
tems. You must follow certain basic rules when setting up gaslift prob-
lems, such as:
1. PVT data sets must be available for both the produced reservoir fluid
and the injected gas.
2. The production string is automatically named PROD and the gas
injection string (annulus) is named GASL.
3. Gas injection rates are user-specified.
Option 1 Pressure Profile

In Option 1, Pressure Profile, the casing-head pressure and the lift-gas
injection rate are fixed. Given values for these parameters, PIPEPHASE
calculates the pressure profiles in both the annulus and the tubing for the
corresponding production rate.
When specifying a gaslift calculation with this option, PIPEPHASE will

prompt you to enter values for the lift gas injection pressure and temper-
ature at the casing head, lift gas injection rate, and the vertical depth
from the well head to the lift gas injection valve. You can also enter the
percent of soluble lift gas which dissolves in the well fluid. This value is
defaulted to 100%, and generally should not change.
Figure 54:
Option 1: Pressure
Profile
6YhUTðBQdUðQ^Tð
@bUccebUðV_b
ð<YVdð7Qc
6YhUTð7á<ðFQ\fUð4U`dX
6YhUTðBQdUð6_bðBUcUbf_Ybð6\eYT
Since you know the injection rate along the well depth, obtaining the
annulus pressure profile is relatively simple. Pressure profile calcula-
tions in the tubing are done as follows:
1. As oil rate is fixed (calculated from the injection rate), the bottom-
hole flowing pressure is known, then
2. Use formation GOR to calculate the pressure gradient from the bot-
tomhole to the operating valve,
3. Use total GOR (formation = injection) to calculate the pressure
traverse from the operating valve to the wellhead.
Option 2 Injection Performance

In Option 2, Injection Performance, PIPEPHASE generates a table of oil
production versus lift gas rate, given fixed values for wellhead pressures,
valve depth and the casing-head pressure. When selecting gaslift option
2, PIPEPHASE will ask you to further specify the injection rates. You
can specify up to nine lift gas injection rates in standard gas volume
units, and all entries must be greater than zero. As in option 1, you can
also enter a value for the percent solubility of the lift gas in the well fluid
(generally 100%).
For each gas injection rate, there will be an oil flow rate that satisfies the
system constraints. At lower gas injection rates, increasing the rate light-
ens the well fluid and therefore causes a production increase. However,
at higher injection rates, the frictional losses in the tubing may be so high
that this trend is reversed. There is, therefore, an optimal injection rate,
as shown in Figure 56.

Figure 55:
Option 2: Injection 6YhUTðG U\\XUQT
Performance @bUccebU
BQ^WUð_Vð6YhUTð
<YVdð7 QcðBQdUc
6YhUTð7 á<ðFQ\fU
4U`dX
Figure 56:
Example Gas
Injection Curve
@b_TeSdY_^ðBQdU
<YVdð7QcðBQdU
Note that continuously increasing lift gas rate does not necessarily result
in increased production rate. When frictional forces dominate, higher
injection rates actually decrease production. The optimal gas injection
rate and the corresponding oil production achievable are indicated by the
arrows.
Option 3 Valve Location - Fixed Tubing Head Pressure (THP)

When you select gaslift option 3, Valve Location - Fixed TH , PIPEP-
HASE will prompt you to specify lift gas injection temperature and pres-
sure at the casing head, injection rate, and up to eight vertical depths
from well head to lift gas injection valves. From these specified values,
PIPEPHASE will then locate the gas injection valve to match the
required tubing head pressure. Figure 57 shows a plot of injection depth
versus the production string outlet pressure, which you must also spec-
ify. Note that greater injection depths process higher wellhead pressures.
Figure 57:
Option 3: Valve 6YhUTðBQdUðQ^Tð@bUccebU
Location - 6_bð<YVdð7Qcð
Fixed THP
BQ^WUð_Vð6YhUT
4U`dX
FQ\fUð4U`dXc
GU\\XUQTð@bUccebU
6YhUTðBUcUbf_Ybð@bUccebUäð
@9äðQ^Tð6\_gbQdU
Option 4 Valve Location - Fixed Casing Head Pressure (CHP)

Option 4, Valve Location - Fixed CH , generates a casing head pressure
versus gas injection depth curve. PIPEPHASE models valve perfor-
mance by using the orifice gas pressure drop equation. Identical to
option 3, PIPEPHASE prompts you to enter values for lift gas injection
temperature and pressure at the casing head, injection rate, and up to
eight vertical depths from well head to lift gas injection valves. Also,
you can enter the percent solubility of the lift gas in the well fluid, which
is generally 100%.
Figure 58:
6YhUTðBQdUðQ^Tð@bUccebU
Option 4: Valve
Location - 6_bð<YVdð7Qcð
Fixed CHP
BQ^WUð_Vð6YhUT
FQ\fUð4U`dXc
6YhUTðBUcUbf_Ybð@bUccebUäð
@9äðQ^Tð6\_gbQdU
Gaslift option 4 allows you three additional entries:

1. Orifice inside diameters corresponding to the gas-lift injection
valves.
2. Inside diameters of tubing above gaslift valves corresponding to the
gas-lift injection valves.
3. Orifice coefficients corresponding to the gas-lift injection valves.

Electrical Electrical Submersible Pumps
Submersible (ESP’s) are applicable to a wide
Pump (ESP) range of operating conditions: deep
formations, high viscosity fluids,
directionally-drilled wells, etc. The
primary limiting factor in the effi-
cient operation of an ESP is the
amount of associated free gas pro-
duced. Free gas (as opposed to gas
in solution), which in limited quan-
tities actually improves operation
(by increasing overall fluid buoy-
ancy), also progressively degrades
performance due to cavitation, ulti-
mately creating a gas lock, at which
point the pump ceases operation. T
prevent such performance degrada-
tion, free gas is frequently (par-
tially) separated downhole, and re-
introduced into the production
stream downstream of the chok
(venting to the atmosphere not being permitted in most areas).
The ESP model in PIPEPHASE simulates a downhole pump in terms of

its effects on the hydraulics of the well-bore. This includes logic to han-
dle specific features such as gas separation at the inlet (and subsequent
re-injection at the surface), and the effect of viscosity on pump perfor-
mance.
Clicking the ESP button in the Link Device Data window brings up the
Electrical Submersible Pump dialog box, shown in Figure 59. This is the
original Pump dialog box with an additional button for the entry of ESP-
specific data.
Figure 59:
Electrical
Submersible Pump
Dialog Box
There are two categories of data entry under the Electrical Submersible
Pump dialog box. The first category is for data specific to the pump, and
the second for data specific to a downhole separator located immediately
upstream of the pump (to reduce the gas ingestion). Pump-specific data
include auxiliary power, submergence depth, casing head pressure, and
the vertical pressure gradient. A check box for the Riling correction fac-
tor is provided for viscosity-related corrections to the pump performance
curves. The Head Degradation Curve (maximum of 5 points) allows the
specification of degradation as a function of gas fraction. When a down-
hole separator exists, you are prompted for the separator name, and
either the gas ingestion percent (GIP) rate for the pump, or the pump OD
and casing ID, to calculate the GIP internally.
Under the Electrical Submersible Pump Curve dialog box, you have a
choice of entering up to ten data points or the three constants in each of
the quadratic equations representing the head, efficiency and horsepower
in terms of the in situ volumetric flow rate.
Time- Although PIPEPHASE is a steady-state simulator, it can accurately

Stepping model well behavior over an extended period of time. Typically, the time
Production period of analysis extends from a few years to the entire producing life
of the field. For such periods, a quasi-steady-state approach is expected
Planning to be an adequate representation of the time-dependent problem. This
approach can be achieved through successive steady-state PIPEPHASE
simulations, each representing a time-step in the operating history of the
field.
The main components of the time-stepping analysis are:

■ Well Grouping
■ Reservoir Depletion
■ Facilities Planning
Well Grouping Each of the well completion zones in a gathering network from a specific
formation or reservoir. The decline in the reservoir pressure with time
and the changes in the characteristics of the fluid produced are a function
of the total fluid volume produced form the reservoir. For the purposes of
these claculations, a well completion is associated with a reservoir
group. A reservoir group includes all of the producing zones that con-
tribute to its depletion.

Reservoir The depletion of a reservoir over the life of a field is represented by a
Depletion decline in average reservoir pressure that affects the production capacity
of the associated wells. Additionally, with time, the composition of the
product fluid changes. For most reservoirs, the gas-oil ratio increases
with time; for a reservoir with an active water drive, the produced water
cut increases as the water table creeps up. The reservoir depletion feature
will predict the average decline in reservoir pressure for all the comple-
tions in the reservoir as a function of the cumulative produced volume.
In addition, at the end of every time step, it will update the water cut and
GOR in each associated completion zone as simplified functions of the
cumulative production rate (or reservoir pressure).
Figure 60:
Reservoir Pressure
Over Time
@b
ASe]
In PIPEPHASE, the user-specified data for reservoir depletion includes

the initial cumulative production rate (Q cum) and the basis for Qcum cal-
culations. The default value for initial Q cum is zero (virgin field) and the
default calculation basis is oil (or gas for a gas field).
At every time step, PIPEPHASE calculates Q cum by adding production

from all the grouped wells. PIPEPHASE also calculates the change in
the average pressure, ∆Pr, average, for the reservoir. It is important to note
that the initial value of the reservoir is taken to be the value you specified
in the Source dialog box. Subsequent values of P r are calculated from
∆Pr, average. This is a different case from the time-step calculations for
fluid characteristics, water cut and GOR. In these cases, the initial values
are taken from the initial IPR curves rather than those specified in the
Source dialog box.
Well Production Rate
Depletion The reservoir pressure declines by an amount calculated from the
grouped wells. This affects the IPR equation or the tabular data for the
IPR, since the reservoir pressure, Pr, is the common variable in most IPR
equations. Figure 61 illustrates the dependence of production rate upon
wellhead pressure and reservoir pressure. As the reservoir pressure
declines, so does cumulative production.
Figure 61:
Wellhead Pressure as
a Function of @b
Production Rate
@gV
ègU\\XUQTð
`bUccebUç
A_
Fluid Characteristics
For an active water drive reservoir, the water cut, fw, will increase signif-
icantly with increasing production. The data for the f w decline curve can
be input in the IPR Decline Data dialog box. However, you must also
specify an initial value for fw in the input dialog box for the Source node.
Therefore, an ambiguity may exist between the IPR calculated value for
initial f w and that entered into the source data. To resolve any discrep-
ancy, PIPEPHASE will use the value calculated from the IPR curve.
This data is well specific, and therefore, gives a more reliable value than
that input into the source node, which may be an average value.
Figure 62:
Water Cut and GOR Vg
as a Function of
Production Rate
Vg 7?B
_b
7?B
A Se]
Similarly, for a Solution Gas Drive Reservoir, the Gas:Oil Ratio (GOR)
varies with increasing production. To properly model this time-depen-
dent variation, PIPEPHASE uses the values from the IPR decline curve

(if you have supplied these). Otherwise, PIPEPHASE uses the initial
GOR value you’ve specified in the Source node.
In cases of enhanced oil recovery, PIPEPHASE allows you to specify

additional parameters to more accurately model the system. In the case
of pressure maintenance in an oil field, an additional well is used to
inject fluid (for example, water), into the reservoir to prevent or hinder
the decline of reservoir pressure. The cumulative production then
becomes a function of the amount of fluid being injected and the physi-
cal properties of that fluid.
N N
B w
Q cum = Q cum, initial – ∑ ------
 Bo i
Q ∆t + ∑ Qi ∆t (17)
i=1 i=1
injection well production well
If water is injected into an oil reservoir, a given volume of water will not
have the same pressure as an equivalent volume of oil. Therefore,
PIPEPHASE allows you to enter a Formation Volume Factor (FVF),
which takes into account the fluid properties. The FVF is represented by
B in the equation above. PIPEPHASE also allows you to specify a deliv-
erability basis for the calculations. The default basis is oil, and this is
indicated by the Bo in the denominator within the summation above.
Executing a Sensitivity (or Nodal) Analysis
Sensitivity or Nodal analysis allows you to graphically represent the
flow and pressure behavior of wells, pipelines and other single link sys-
tems when input parameter(s) are varied over a range of values. The sin-
gle link option must be chosen to activate nodal analysis/sensitivity
analysis.
Dividing the The link is divided into two sections at any point on the link. This point
Link is called the Solution Node which you can specify. The section upstream
of the solution node is called the Inflow Section. The section downstream
of the solution node is called the Outflow Section. Figure 63 shows the
solution node at the wellhead. The well is in the inflow section and the
surface flow line is in the outflow section.
Figure 63:
C_\edY_^ð>_TU
Dividing the Link @"
Concept
6\_gð<YÛ
GU\\
@!
A
The Inflow Performance curve is the plot of the solution node pressure
PSN as the flow rate is varied in the Outflow section keeping the sink
pressure constant. Note that PSN increases with flow rate.
Figure 64:
Performance Curves h @!ð6YhUT @"ð6YhUT h
h
h h
@c^ h
h @c^
h
h h
A A
98 Executing a Sensitivity (or Nodal) Analysis

For the given link with a fixed source and sink pressure the solution node
pressure calculated in the inflow section must have the same value as the
solution node pressure from the outflow section.
Figure 65: @9@5ðí" @"

Inflow and Outflow
Definitions @>
>_TU
@9@5ðí! ?edV\_g
9^V\_g
@!
A
Graphically this is represented by the intersection of the the Inflow and

Outflow performance curves. The intersection point represents the solu-
tion node pressure and the flow rate that you will get for the link.
Figure 66:
h @"ð6YhUT
Inflow and Outflow
h
Performance Curves
h h
@C> h ?ÙbQdY^Wð@_Y^dð_VðdXUð"ð@YÙðCicdU]
h h
h @!ð6YhUT
h
A
A family of Inflow curves can be generated for a range of values of an

Inflow parameter. In this case, the parameter is the source pressure. A
family of Outflow curves can be generated for a range of values of an
Outflow parameter. In this case, the chosen parameter is the sink or out-
let pressure. When the families of Inflow and Outflow Curves are over-
laid on the same plot we get the plot shown in Figure 67.
When a pair of inflow and outflow curves intersect each intersection

point represents the operating flow rate and solution node pressure for
the link for the values of the parameters each curve represents. For
example, Q1 is the flow rate in the link if the source pressure is 600 psia
and the sink pressure is 100 psia. The pressure at the solution node is P1.
The nodal analysis plot concisely represents the system behavior (P SN

and Q) of the link when the Inflow and Outflow (plot) parameters vary
over a range of values. This information would be useful for predicting
system behavior or in making decisions on how to control the system to
obtain the desired behavior.
Figure 67:
Demonstrating the @ _ed ð-ð! â ð`cYQ @ _edð-ð" â ð`cYQ
Relevance of @ _edð-ð! â ð`cYQ
Intersections of
Performance Curves
@ C>
@ Y^ð-ð$ @ Y^ð-ð% @ Y^ ð-ð&
Terminology Sensitivity Parameters

When generating a nodal plot you have to select one parameter for each
family of Inflow and Outflow curves ( Sensitivity parameter). Typical
choices of a parameter could be the reservoir pressure for Inflow and
flow line ID for Outflow.
You can select up to 5 values for each parameter. This implies up to 5

Inflow and 5 Outflow curves may be generated. Up to 5*5 = 25 intersec-
tion points may be obtained. The chosen parameters must be from the
base case input data. To generate the curves, up to 10 flowrates may be
specified.
Compound Parameter
Typically, we choose one parameter. In PIPEPHASE, several parameters
can be compounded into one parameter. Such a parameter is called a
compound paramete . A compound parameter may be the ID of a tubing
and its corresponding roughness. It may be a combination of parameters
from different devices. For example, one set of values of the pump
power, pipe ID and heater duty can be compounded as one compound
parameter value.
In PIPEPHASE the available parameters are divided into 7 categories.

Compounding can be done only with parameters belonging to the same
category. The only exception to this is the source data category and the
IPR data which belongs to the structure data category. IPR data can be
compounded with source data.

Single Link A solution node can be specified by one of 3 ways:
Calculations
■ Specify the device name. The solution node will be placed at the inlet of
the device. If it is the first device in the link, the source parameters
will belong to the Inflow section.
■ Specify the Source name. The solution
node will be at the source. In this
case no Inflow section (and data) can exist. Similarly, specify the
Sink name. The solution node will be at the sink. In this case no Out-
flow section (and data) can exist.
■ Specify Bottom or Sink.In this case the solution node will be located at
the outlet of the last device in the link. The Sink parameters may be
in the Outflow section. Note that when you select the Inflow param-
eters the parameter must belong to the Inflow section. When you
select the Outflow parameters the parameter must belong to the Out-
flow section. It is a common mistake to mix up the flow section and
the choice of parameter.
The structure data input requirements include:

■ The source and sink pressures must be specified.
■ The source flow rate must be estimated.
Additional plots generated in PIPEPHASE include the solution node

temperature as a function of flow rate for each Inflow parameter value
and the sink temperature for each Outflow parameter.
To generate a nodal analysis plot you must select an Inflow and an Out-
flow parameter and the range of values you want to use for each parame-
ter. All the parameters are divided into 7 categories. Compounding of
parameters is allowed within each data category only with the exception
of source/sink parameters and corresponding new IPR Device parame-
ters. These two sets of parameters may be compounded even though the
belong to different categories.
Category 4 above refers to the non-compositional source properties that

can be defined for Sensitivity Analysis. The Lateral Source (categories 6
and 7) refers to a subsidiary feed, such as an injection device, which acts
as an additional source to the Main source.

Table 11: Available Parameters
Categor Device Available Parameters
Source Pres, PI, Vogel, Coeff, Exp
Sink Pres, II, Coeff, Exp
Structure Completion Shots, Perforation Diameter, Penetration Depth, Tunnel
Pipe ID, Rough, U, Floweff
Tubing ID, Rough, U, Floweff
Riser ID, Rough, U, Floweff
Annulus ID, Annulus, OD Tube, Rough, U, Floweff
Choke ID, Coeff
Compressor Stages, Power, Pres, Eff
Pump Stages, Power, Pres, Eff
Heater Duty, Tout, DP
Cooler Duty, Tout, DP
Separator Percent, Rate
Injection Temp, Pres
Sales Rate
Glvalve Rate, Dissolve
IPR RVAL
PVT GOR, WCUT, CGR, WGR, Quality
Main Source Compositional Composition
Lateral Source Compositional Composition
Lateral Source Rate, Temp, Pres
Nodal Nodal Analysis output consists of the following:

Analysis
■ The Nodal Pressure plot—displays the solution node pressure versus
Output
flow rate curve for each value of the sensitivity Inflow and Outflow
parameter. The plot data is included.
■ The Nodal Temperature plot—displays the solution node temperature ver-
sus flow rate curve for each Inflow parameter value and the sink
temperature versus flow rate for each Outflow parameter value. The
plot data is included.
■ If completions exist in the simulation, a family of completion pres-
sure drop versus flow rate is plotted for each Inflow parameter if the
completion is in the Inflow section or Outflow parameter if the com-
pletion occurs in the Outflow section. The plot data is included.
■ The intersection points are reported in the output report.
Figure 68 shows a typical nodal pressure plot. The Inflow parameter is

source pressure and the Outflow parameter is pipe ID Increasing source
pressure increases flow rate and increasing pipe ID increases flow rate.

The nodal plot helps to decide what source pressure and pipe ID combi-
nations would be feasible for a desired throughput.
Figure 68:
Nodal Pressure Plot
#â%ðY^âðTYQ
$ðY^âðTYQ
@bUccebUðèRQbç
#( ðRQb
#$ ðRQb
#" ðRQb
6\_gðBQdUðè]#áXbç
Features PIPEPHASE offers many nodal analysis technical features not com-
Unique to the monly found in standard nodal analysis packages. The compositional
PIPEPHASE capability with the extensive SIMSCI component library is one example
of these features. This allows rigorous simulation of phase behavior and
heat transfer that is not possible with black oil type approaches. Other
fluids that can be used include steam, black oil, liquid, gas and gas con-
densate models.
PIPEPHASE solves the total energy balance equations. This enables the
calculation of both pressure and temperature profiles in the link. Also,
you have the option of conveniently defining the location of the solution
node. The best choice of the solution node location changes from prob-
lem to problem and where field data may be available for comparison.
As you have seen earlier, you can use all standard PIPEPHASE equip-
ment devices in the sensitivity analysis. A number of parameters for each
device are available for you to vary, in order to fully study the effects of
specific parameters on the overall system performance. In addition to
devices which affect pressure drop, PIPEPHASE allows the study of
temperature change devices (heater/cooler capacity).
The option of combining, or compounding, parameters together is a

practical feature which can save considerable simulation time. Several
sensitivity variables can change in unison like a single parameter. This
feature also allows you to organize the sensitivity analysis more, which
is especially useful when working with a large number of parameters.

PIPEPHASE Sensitivity Analysis is structured such that virtually any
oilfield production/injection problem or any pipeline problem can be
analyzed. The fluid composition itself can be changed. You can perform
a gaslift analysis using the black oil model using the gaslift analysis
option. But the Sensitivity Analysis feature also allows you to carry out a
compositional gaslift analysis by using the Injection device.
Finally, the nodal analysis can be done in conjunction with PIPE-

PHASE’s Case Study option. This allows you to vary other parameters,
independent of the nodal analysis parameters. This enables you to effi-
ciently generate an unlimited number of plots in one simulation run.

Index
A limitations 49 electrical submersible pump 93

parameter 50 gas lift analysis 87
Algorithm, solution 56 running a 52 time-stepping analysis 94
variables 50 Downward stratified flow 83
Annulus 43
Change types 50 DP-DT device 48
Ansari flow regime map 80
Change variable names 49 Duns and Ros flow regime map 79
Antoine viscosity data 24
Check valve 47
Applications
Choke 48
field wide simulation 15 E
single pipe analysis 10 Color cues 8
wellbore analysis 12 Component lumping 62 Edit menu 8
Artificial lift Components Electrical submersible pump (ESP)
applications 12 defining 19 applications 93
gas lift method 14 entering data 38 curve data 94
Assay data 20 generating from assay data 20 data requirements 93
library 20
Elevational changes
lightends data 21
effect on temperature 85
B petroleum 20
Compositional fluid model
Blackoil model options 19 F
fluid type 19 phase type 21
PVT data 24 source 37 Fetkovich’s gas flow equation 45
Bottomhole completions 46 thermodynamic data 28 Field wide simulation
Bottomhole pressure transport methods 29 applications 15
calculating 11 Compound parameter 100 reservoir decline 16
Compressor 47 File menu 5
C Contaminants 24, 25 Flash report 67
Convergence, ways to obtain 59 Flow correlation defaults 31
Calculation methods Correlations Flow efficiency parameter 32
algorithm 56 flow 31 Flow patterns
convergence 59 flow regime 76 horizontal 75
forward traverse 55 fluid properties 18 vertical 79
line sizing 57 mixing 25 Flow regime correlations 76
mass balance method 54 oil, water 27
Flow regime maps
pressure balance method 54, 59 pressure loss 75
Ansari 80
rules 54 viscosity 25
Duns and Ros 79
segments 55 Cumulative changes, case study 50 Mandhane 77
tolerances 58
Taitel-Dukler-Barnea 78
Calculator 40
Case study
D Flowsheet
editing 8
change types 50 junction 38
Data entry windows 7
change variable names 49 links 41
cumulative changes 50 Defaults
network types 33
entering data 49 See Global defaults
sink 39
functionality 49 Device summary 67
source 36
global changes 50 Distributed flow 75 terminology 33
individual changes 50 Downhole operations viewing 8

Fluid characteristics, reservoir 96 overall U-value 41, 83 reprint in output file 66
Fluid models performing 83 running 62
blackoil 19 pipe 42
compositional 19 temperature 84
gas condensate 19 Heated oil pipelines 12
L
non-compositional 18 Heater/cooler 47
Laminar flow 72
single-phase gas 19 Help
single-phase liquid 19 Library components 20
documents 3
steam model 19 Lightends 21
online 3
Forsheimer equation 45 technical support 3 Line sizing
Forward traverse calculation method 55 entering data 9
Holdup, liquid 73
maximum velocity 57
Friction factor 72 Horizontal flow patterns
options 57
distributed flow 75
running 62
intermittent flow 75
G segregated flow 75
Link
annulus 43
HW coefficient 32
Gas condensate model bottomhole completions 46
fluid type 19 Hydrates 40 check valve 47
PVT data 25 choke 48
compressor 47
Gas lift analysis I definition 41
designing in PIPEPHASE 88
injection performance 90 dividing the 98
Individual changes, case study 50
modeling 14 DP-DT 48
Inflow Performance Relationship (IPR) gas lift valve 48
modeling options 89
Fetkovich’s gas flow equation 45 heater/cooler 47
optimum gas injection rate 15
modeling 43 injection device 47
PIPEPHASE options 14
Productivity Index (PI) model 43 IPR 43
pressure profile 89
solution gas-drive reservoir 45 multi-stage compressor 47
simulation type 17
typical installation 88 Injection device 47 pipe 42
valve device 48 Injection performance, option 2 90 pumps 47
valve location - fixed CHP 92 Input units of measure regulator 48
valve location - fixed THP 91 See Units of measure riser 42
Gas model Inside diameter defaults 32 separator 47
fluid type 19 summary 67
Insulation 84
PVT data 25 tubing 43
Interactive output 64
Global changes, case study 50 Link Device Data window
Interactive run capabilities 61 features 9
Global defaults Interconnected wells 16 opening 9
flow correlations 31
Intermittent flow 75 Liquid holdup
flow efficiency parameter 32
HW coefficient 32 defining 73
no-slip 73
inside diameter 32 J
Palmer corrections 31 Liquid model
thermal 32 fluid type 19
Jones gravel-packed completion 46
transitional Reynolds number 32 PVT data 26
Junction
Looped networks 34
data requirements 38
H inactivating 36
M
Heat transfer calculations 11, 15 K
defaults 32 Main window
effects of temperature 86 color cues 8
Keyword input file
insulation layers 84 components 6
creating 62
large elevational changes 85 data entry windows 7
data entry order 53
methods 55 menu bar 6
importing 5
106 Index
opening Link Device Data window 9 Node summary 67 inflow/outflow parameters 102
toolbar 7 Non-compositional fluid models link profiles 64
workspace 5 define 18 nodal temperature 102
Mandhane flow regime map 77 source requirements 37 pressure vs. distance 65
Maps, flow regime No-slip liquid holdup 73 print options 64
Ansari 80 production vs. gas injection rate 15
Duns and Ros 79 RAS example 70
Mandhane 77 O Pressure balance method 54, 59
Taitel-Dukler-Barnea 78 Pressure drop function 73
Online help 3
Mass balance method 54 Pressure loss correlations 75
Optimization 1
McLeod open-perforated completion 46 Pressure profile, option 1 89
Optimum gas injection rate 15
Menu Print options 64
edit 8 Output
Production rate 96
file 5 link profiles 64
Pumps 47
view 8 nodal analysis 102
node and link labels 64 PVT data
Menu bar 6 blackoil model 24
node simulation results 64
Multiphase flow condensate gas 25
Output format changes 68
downward stratified flow 83 gas fluids 25
horizontal flow patterns 75 Output report
liquid model 26
liquid holdup 73 sections 66
steam model 27
modeling 72 See Also Report
PVT table generation 17
pressure drop 73 units of measure 23
problems unique to 81 Overall heat transfer coefficient 41, 83
sphering (pigging) 58 Q
terrain-induced slugging 82
vertical flow patterns 79
P Quality 37
vertical upward flow 81
Palmer corrections 31
Multi-stage compressor 47
Parameters R
case study 50
N compound 100 Reference source 36
sensitivity 100 Regulator 48
NETOPT 1 Performance curves 98 Report
Network model 17 Petroleum components 20 device summary 67
Networks Phase envelope 10 flash 67
looped 34 Phase type 21 link summary 67
running 62 options 68
Pipelines, heated 12
tree 33 summary 67
PIPEPHASE
types 33 Reservoir decline option 16
applications 10
New file 5 Reservoir depletion 95
components 2
Nodal analysis GUI 2 Reservoir performance curve 13
application 98 launching 5 Reservoir pressure 96
calculations 101 main window 5 Reservoir, solution gas-drive 45
compound parameter 100 NETOPT add-on 1 Results
dividing the link 98 simulating networks in 17 link profiles 64
entering data 9 TACITE add-on 2 nodal analysis 102
features unique to PIPEPHASE 103 technology 1 node 64
inflow/outflow curves 98 window components 6
output 102 Results Access System (RAS)
Pipes 42 output format 68
running 62
Plot viewer 70 plot viewer 70
sensitivity parameters 100
terminology 100 Plots plots 69
wellbore applications 12 creating in RAS 69 report options 68

running 67 Solution algorithm 56 Tolerances 58
tables 68 Source Toolbar 7
Retrograde condensation 10 compositional fluid 37 Transitional Reynolds number 32
Reynolds number data requirements 36 Transport methods 29
laminar and turbulent flow 72 entering component data 38
Tree networks 33
transitional 32 estimated values 36
fixed values 36 Tubing 43
Risers 42
inactivating 36 Turbulent flow 72
Run options
non-compositional 37
interactively 61
reference 36
run other 63
temperature requirement 37, 38
U
run remote 63
Sphering
Units of measure
modeling 57
output 23
S Start PIPEPHASE 5 pre-defined sets 22
Steam injection networks 11 standard sets 23
Save 5
Steam model UNIX, running PIPEPHASE on 63
Segments, calculation 55 fluid type 19
Segregated flow 75 PVT data 27
Sensitivity analysis V
See Nodal analysis
Sensitivity parameters 100
T Valve location
fixed CHP, option 4 92
Separator 47 Tables fixed THP, option 3 91
Simulation creating 68 Variables, case study
changing the UOM 22 example 69 device 51
copying and deleting 5 TACITE 2 pipe 51
creating a new 5 component lumpring 62 source and sink 50
defining 17 entering transient data 9 Vertical flow patterns 79
editing 8 running 62
printing 5 Vertical upward flow 81
Taitel-Dukler-Barnea map 78
running 5 View menu 8
saving a 5 Technical reference
Viscosity correlations 25
viewing 8 flow regime correlations 76
friction factor 72
Simulation type
gas lift analysis 17
horizontal flow patterns 75 W
multiphase flow 72
network 17
multiphase phenomena 81 Water cut 96
PVT table generation 17
single-phase flow 71 Water, thermo for handling 29
Single pipe analysis vertical flow patterns 79
capacity calculations 10 Well depletion
Technical support 3 fluid characteristics 96
heated oil pipelines 12
phase envelope 10 Temperature calculations 84 production rate 96
steam injection networks 11 Terrain-induced slugging 82 Wellbore analysis
Single-phase flow Thermal defaults 32 graphical solution 13
acceleration term 72 Thermodynamic data heat transfer calculations 15
elevation change 71 handling water 29 nodal analysis 12
friction loss 71 method applications 29 overview 12
modeling 71 options 28 varying pipe sizes 13
Single-phase gas model 19 pre-defined methods 28 varying well-head pressure 13
Single-phase liquid model 19 transport methods 29 Wells
Time-stepping analysis grouping 94
Sink
components 94 horizontal 46
inactivating 36
reservoir depletion 95 interconnected 16
requirements 39
well depletion 96 Workbook conventions 4
Slugging, terrain-induced 82
well grouping 94
108 Index
Contents
Black Oil Pipeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Black Oil Flowline with Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Compositional Pipeline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Gas Well . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Case Study of Black Oil Pipeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Heavy Crude Pipeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Pipeline Sphering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Looped Black Oil Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Black Oil Gathering System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Two Well Gas Lift Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Steam Injection Well. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Forecasting Well Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Three-Year Decline Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Ridge Pipeline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Appendix - Keyword Input Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
All diameters in the example problems are in actual mea-

surement unless otherwise stated.
Introduction to PIPEPHASE i
Black Oil Pipeline
# TASK Black oil flows through a pipeline with an inner diameter of 10 inches
and a pipe roughness of 0.002 inches. The pipeline drops 1,000 feet over
its 20,000 foot length. The fluid properties at the source are listed in
Table 1.
Figure 1: 2\QS[ð?Y\
Black Oil Pipeline
"
ä
ðVd
! ðVd
Table 1: Source Fluid Properties

Property Value
Oil, API 30
Gas, specific gravity 0.75
Water, specific gravity 1.05
Temperature 120°F
Gas/Oil ratio 200 ft3/bbl
Water Cut 10%
Part A Create a new simulation BLKOIL. The SOURCE pressure is 1000 psig and
the SINK pressure is 500 psig. Use 100000 bbl/day as the initial flowrate
estimate for both the source and the sink.
For these conditions, what is the oil flowrate?
What is the water flowrate?
Part B In a second run, keep the source pressure at 1000 psig, but use a fixed
flowrate of 100,000 bbl/day of oil. As for initial sink estimates, use
100,000 bbl/day for flowrate and 500 psig for pressure. Note that for
blackoil problems, the source flowrate is based on the oil flowrate, not
the total flowrate.
What will the sink pressure be?
@ SOLUTION
Part A Begin by launching PIPEPHASE (double-click the PIPEPHASE icon or

select PIPEPHASE from the SIMSCI folder on the Start menu).
Step 1 Create a New Simulation

➤ Select New from the File menu or click the New button on the tool-
bar. The New File dialog box appears.
➤ Name the simulation BLKOIL and click OK to save your data.
Step 2 Enter Simulation Description

The Simulation Description dialog box appears.
➤ Enter the Problem, Site, and User information along with the prob-
lem description in this dialog box.
These entries are optional and you can access this dialog box later by
selecting Simulation Description from the General menu.
➤ Click OK to save your data and exit this dialog box.
Step 3 Enter the Simulation Definition and Input Dimensions

The Simulation Definition dialog box appears. Network Model is the
default Simulation Type and Blackoil is the default Fluid Type, which are
appropriate for this problem. Later, you can access this dialog box by
selecting Simulation Definition from the General menu.
➤ Click OK to accept the default definitions.
The Input Dimensions dialog box appears, showing Petroleum as the

default dimension set. These defaults are acceptable for this problem.
➤ Click OK to accept the default dimensions.
You can access this dialog box later by selecting Input Units of Measur
from the General menu, or by clicking the Input Dimensions button on
the toolbar.
Step 4 Enter PVT Data

The Fluid Property Data dialog box appears.
➤ Click New... to enter the Blackoil fluid properties in the Blackoil

PVT Data dialog box.
➤ Fill in the Oil API Gravit , and the Gas and Water specific sravity
data.
2 Black Oil Pipeline

➤ Click OK to save entries. Click OK again to exit to the flowsheet.
You can make edits to the PVT data at any time by selecting PVT Data
from the General menu or by clicking the PVT button on the toolbar.
Step 5 Build the Flowsheet

➤ Build the flowsheet by clicking the source toolbar button and then
clicking again to position the unit on the flowsheet.
➤ Do the same for the sink unit.
➤ Select the source unit by clicking on the icon once. A red square
appears on the node and the border of the node turns green to indi-
cate that the node has been selected.
➤ Connect the source and sink units by clicking inside this square and,
while holding the mouse button down, drag the cursor towards the
sink and release.
Step 6 Enter Unit Data

Source Data
➤ Double-click the SOURCE unit on the flowsheet to open the Black Oil
Source dialog box.
➤ Fill in the Pressure, Temperature, GOR, and Water Cut data from
Table 1.
➤ Enter an initial estimate for the oil flowrate. By default, the Oil
Flowrate Estimated radio button is activated, indicating that PIPE-
PHASE will calculate this flowrate.
➤ Click OK to save the data and close the dialog box.
Sink Data
➤ Double-click on the SINK unit to open the Sink dialog box.
➤ Enter the SINK pressure data. Again, by default the flowrate Esti-
mated radio button is activated, indicating that PIPEPHASE will cal-
culate this flowrate.
➤ Enter an initial estimate for the oil flowrate at the SINK.
Step 7 Enter Link Data

➤ Double-click on the LINK between the two units to open up the Link
Device Data window.
➤ Click on the PIPE button in the device palette to add a pipe to the link
and to open the Pipe dialog box for that pipe.
➤ Enter the Length, Elevation Change, Inside Diameter, and Pipe
Roughness data from Table 1.
, Note: Elevation Change is positive for uphill flow and negative for
downhill flow.
➤ When complete, click OK to save the entries and return to the Link
Device Data window.
➤ Click OK to save the LINK device data and return to the main flow-
sheet.
Step 8 Run the Simulation and View the Results

When data entry is complete, the borders of all the icons and link lines
on the flowsheet turn blue. The outlines of the entered device icons in the
Link Device Data window turn blue as well. Any selected item is out-
lined in green rather than blue. To determine if the data is complete for
that item, click on an empty region of the flowsheet. If the data is not
complete, the outline will turn red instead of blue. If any item is outlined
in red, double-click on it to enter the remaining data.
➤ Select Run from the File menu or click the Run button on the toolbar.
The Run Simulation and View Results dialog box appears.
➤ Click Run to solve the network.
➤ To check your results, select Output File from the Report drop-down
list in the View Reports section of the dialog box and click View .
From the Node Summary, you can see that the standard oil flowrate is
107,571 bbl/day and the standard water flowrate is 11,952 bbl/day.
, Note: Your results may vary slightly due to the initial estimates and
the specified convergence tolerances (± 2 psi for the pressure).
To return to the flowsheet, close the editor. To access the output file
again, select View Output File from the File menu or click the View Out-
put File button on the toolbar.
➤ To view the node output on the flowsheet, select View Output from
the View menu, and double-click on a unit.
The temperature, pressure, and total liquid flowrate (oil + water) for that
node in Blackoil type simulations is displayed. For example, if you dou-
ble-click on the SINK, the dialog box shown in Figure 2 appears.
4 Black Oil Pipeline

Figure 2:
Sink Summary on
Flowsheet
To view Pressure vs. Distance or Temperature vs. Distance plots, select

Device Detail as Part, and Plots as Part under Print Options from the
General menu before running the simulation. After convergence select
View Output from the View menu or double-click on the LINK. Choose
the plot by clicking on one of the buttons in the Link Plot Selection dia-
log box that appears.
Part B Under the File menu, choose Save As and save this problem as BLKOILB.
To find the SINK pressure with a fixed SOURCE oil flowrate of 100,000
bbl/day and a 1,000 psig SOURCE pressure, perform the following tasks:
➤ Select the View Output option from the View menu to return to the
edit input mode.
➤ Double-click on the SOURCE, activate the Fixed radio button for the
oil flowrate, and enter a value of 100,000 bbl/day.
➤ Double-click on the SINK, activate the Estimated radio button for the
pressure, and enter a value of 500 psig, so that the pressure is calcu-
lated by PIPEPHASE.
➤ Rerun the simulation and view your results.
From the Node Summary, you will find that the SINK pressure is now
calculated to be 678 psig.
Black Oil Flowline with Devices
# TASK The flowrate through an oil well is controlled using a choke at the well-
head. For a 1 inch diameter choke, the desired wellhead pressure is 200
psig. Because the reservoir is unconsolidated sandstone, a gravel-packed
completion has been used.
Figure 3:
Oil Well
#" ðVd #% ðVd
## ðVd
$% ðVd
The upper portion of the tubing string is 2.441 inches in diameter. The
lower portion is 1.995 inches in diameter. The reservoir pressure is 3,000
psig and the reservoir temperature is 190°F. The temperature gradient in
the earth at this location is 2°F/100 feet. Assume an average overall heat
transfer coefficient (U) of 10.0 Btu/hr-ft2-°F.
The gravel-packed completion has a perforated zone 30 feet long, with 8

shots/foot. The expected size of the perforations is 0.39 inches in diame-
ter and 3 inches deep. Table 2 gives the properties of the reservoir fluid.
Table 2: Reservoir Fluid Properties

Property Value
Oil, API 35
Gas/Oil ratio 300 ft3/bbl
Water Cut 20%
Part A Create a new simulation named OILFLW. Use 500 bbl/day as the initial
flowrate estimate for both the source and the sink.
For these conditions, what is the oil flowrate?
6 Black Oil Flowline with Devices

Part B A pipeline is proposed to transport the oil from the wellhead to a central
storage tank. First, all of the gas phase is separated for re-injection into
the reservoir to maintain the pressure. A pump (efficiency = 85%) is
used to raise the fluid pressure to 700 psig. The 2.441 inch diameter
pipeline to the storage tank is 15,000 feet long with an elevation increase
of 200 feet.
Figure 4:
Transportation
!%ä ðVd
Pipeline " ð`cYW
" ðVd
6b_]
GU\\XUQT
As for initial sink estimates, use the value calculated in Part A for flow-
rate and supply 200 psig for the sink pressure.
How much gas is being removed at the wellhead?
What is the required horsepower of the pump?
What will the sink pressure be?
@ SOLUTION
Part A Create a new simulation by selecting New from the File menu and name
the simulation OILFLW.
Step 1 Enter Simulation Description

➤ Enter a description in the Simulation Description dialog box.
Step 2 Define the Simulation and Input Dimensions

In the Simulation Definition dialog box, keep Network Model as the
Simulation Type and Blackoil as the Fluid Type.
In the Input Dimensions dialog box, keep the units of measure as Petro-
leum.
Step 3 Enter PVT Data

The Fluid Property Data dialog box appears next.
➤ Click New to open the Blackoil PVT Data dialog box.

➤ Supply the Oil API Gravit , and the Gas and Water specific gravity
data and click OK .
➤ Add a source and a sink to the flowsheet. Connect the two with a
link.

Source Data
➤ Double-click on the SOURCE unit on the flowsheet to open up the
Black Oil Source dialog box.
➤ Using the data provided in Table 2, fill in the fields for source Pres-
sure, Temperature, GOR, and Water Cut.
By default, the Oil Flowrate Estimated radio button is activated, indicat-

ing that PIPEPHASE will calculate this flowrate.
➤ Provide an initial estimate for the oil flowrate at the SOURCE.
, Note: No information is given to relate the reservoir conditions to the

flowing conditions. If a Productivity Index (PI) or any other
Inflow Performance Relationship, IPR, information was given,
then P and T at the SOURCE would be the reservoir P and T.
With no IPR data, they are the flowing bottomhole pressure
and temperature.
Sink Data
➤ Double-click on the SINK icon to open up the Sink dialog box.
➤ Enter the SINK pressure. Again, by default the flowrate Estimated
radio button is activated indicating that PIPEPHASE will calculate
the flowrate.
➤ Enter an initial estimate for the oil flowrate. By default, the Oil
Flowrate Estimated radio button is activated, indicating that PIPE-
PHASE will calculate this flowrate.

➤ Double-click on the LINK to open up the Link Device Data window.
➤ Click on the GRAVEL PACKED COMPLETION button. The Gravel
Packed Completion dialog box appears.
➤ Enter the Perforation Interval, Shot Density, Tunnel Length, and Per-
foration Diameter data.
For a LINK with multiple sections, the order in which you list the devices
is critical. You must enter the section of tubing farthest from the surface
first. In this case, the bottom section of the tubing string is entered first.

➤ Click on the TUBING button. The Tubing dialog box appears.
➤ Enter the Measured Wireline Depth, True Vertical Depth, and Inside
Diameter data into the appropriate fields.
, Note: Remember that the Measured Wireline Depth of tubing is the

total length starting from the surface to the bottom of that tub-
ing string, and the True Vertical Depth is the depth from the
surface to the bottom of that tubing string.
For the lower section, the measured wireline depth is 8,000 feet (= 4,500
+ 3,500); and the true vertical depth is 6,500 feet (= 3,200 + 3,300).
➤ Change the Heat Transfer Method from Default to U-Value. Enter

the average overall heat transfer coefficient and temperature gradient
data.
➤ To enter the upper section of the tubing string, click the TUBING but-
ton again. Another Tubing dialog box for the second TUBING device
in the link appears.
➤ Enter the Measured Wireline Depth, True Vertical Depth, and Inside
Diameter data of the TUBING section next to the source. This time
the measured wireline depth is 3,500 ft, and the true vertical depth is
3,200 ft. Make the necessary changes to the Thermal Calculations
Area.
➤ Add a choke device by clicking the CHOKE button and enter the
Choke Diameter.
➤ Click OK to save the LINK device data and return to the main flow-
sheet.

When the data is complete, the outlines of all the icons and link lines
turn blue on the flowsheet. If there is an item with a red outline, double-
click on it to enter the remaining data. Remember selected icons and link
lines are green so you must click away from the flowsheet to see its true
status.
From the Node Summary, you can see that the standard oil flowrate is
2,471 bbl/day, the standard water flowrate is 618 bbl/day, and the stan-
dard gas flowrate is 0.7412 MM ft3/day.
To return to the flowsheet, close the editor. To access the output file
again, select View Output File from the File menu or click the View Out-
put File button on the toolbar.
Save your simulation before starting Part B.
Part B Under the File menu, choose Save As and save this problem as OILFLWB.
To find the SINK pressure for a fixed SOURCE oil flowrate of 2,471 bbl/
day, perform the following tasks:
➤ In the Black Oil Source dialog box, click the Fixed radio button for
the oil flowrate and enter a value 2,471.
➤ In the Sink dialog box, click the Estimated radio button for the SINK
pressure. Enter an initial estimate for the oil flowrate.
➤ In the Link Device Data window, click once on the CHOKE device so
that the additional devices are added after it. Add the SEPARATOR,
PUMP, and PIPE devices to the LINK and input the supplied data for
each.
➤ Change the Device Detail to Part or Full in the Print Options dialog
box, accessed by selecting Print Options from the General menu.
➤ Rerun the program and view your results.
From the Node Summary, you can see that the SINK pressure is 163 psig.
From the Link Device Detail Report, you can see that the amount of gas
removed is 0.670 MM ft3/day and the required pump power is 32.2 hp.

Compositional Pipeline
# TASK A 24-inch diameter pipeline transports crude oil 200 kilometers, over an
elevation increase of 400 meters. The desired sink pressure is 10 bar and
the ambient temperature is 20°C.
Figure 5:
" ð[]
Crude Oil Pipeline
$ ð]
3beTUð?Y\
Use 500,000 kg/hr as the initial flowrate estimate for both the source and
the sink.
Part A Use metric dimensions for everything except the fine length, which is in
inches. Set the Print Options for link plots to Full. Table 3 gives the com-
position and conditions of the source fluid. Table 4 gives data for the
higher-boiling components.
Table 3: Source Composition and Conditions

Component Mole % Component Mole %
H2S 5.4 NC5 2.9
C1 2.0 NC6 4.1
C2 14.3 C78 8.5
C3 16.3 C910 4.0
IC4 2.9 C11+ 20.0
NC4 8.6 C20+ 7.9
IC5 3.1
Pressure 74 bar
Temperature 74°C
Table 4: Petroleum Component Properties

Petroleum Molecular Density Boiling
Component Weight (kg/m3) Point (°C)
C78 109 748
C910 137 795
C11+ 207 944
C20+ 354 1036 547
What is the flowrate?
Do the fluid conditions cross the phase envelope?
Does the fluid temperature drop below the ambient?
How much time did the calculations take?
Part B Generate a PVT table for the flash calculations and run the simulation
again.
What is the gas gravity?
What is the oil gravity?
What is the oil flowrate?
What is the gas/oil flowrate ratio?
Part C Convert the simulation to a black oil fluid and run it again.
What is the oil flowrate?
@ SOLUTION Create a new simulation by selecting New from the File menu and name
the simulation CPIPE.
Part A

➤ In the Simulation Definition dialog box, keep Network Model as the
Simulation Type.
➤ Select Compositional as the Fluid Type.
➤ In the Input Dimensions dialog box, select Metric from the System
drop-down list.
➤ Change the Fine Length units to inches, since the tubing diameter is
given in inches.
➤ Change the Default Basis to Weight.
12 Compositional Pipeline
, Note: If you change the basis after you enter the flowrate data, the
flowrate value is not converted to the corresponding value in
the new units, only the units are changed.
Step 2 Enter Component Data

➤ In the Component Data dialog box, click Add... in the Library
Components area to bring up the Library Component Data dialog
box.
Under the Component Family List, Standard Production Set is the

default. The components from H2S to NC6 are listed in the Specific
Components Available for Selection section.
➤ Select the library components listed in Table 3, and then click the
Add Components to place them in the Add these Library Compo-
nents to the Component List box. Alternatively, you can double-click
on the components to add them into this list immediately.
➤ Clicking OK saves this list and returns you to the Component Data
dialog box.
➤ Click Add... in the Petroleum Fractions area, enter the petroleum
components listed in Table 4, and click OK to save the entries.
You can access the Component Data dialog box later by clicking on the
Component Data button on the toolbar

link.

Source Data
➤ Double-click on the SOURCE unit and enter the temperature and
pressure. Provide an estimate for flowrate.
➤ Click Define Composition in the Composition field and enter the
composition of the previously selected components. Choose Save
from the Worksheet menu.
Sink Data
➤ Double-click on the SINK and enter a Fixed value for the SINK pres-
sure. The Estimated radio button for the flowrate is selected by
default.
➤ Enter an initial estimate for the oil flowrate at the SINK.
Double-click on the LINK to open up the Link Device Data window.
➤ Click on the PIPE button and enter the Length, Elevation Change ,
and Inside Diameter data.
➤ Select the U-Value method from the Heat Transfer drop-down list
and enter the Ambient Temperature in the activated field. This over-
ides the global default.

When the data is complete, the outlines of all the icons and link lines
turn blue. A red outline indicates incomplete data entry.
, Tip: Make sure to select Full for Device Detail, Plots and RAS
Database options (select Print Options under the General
menu) so that you can generate a Phase Envelope plot by click-
ing Special Plots... in the Results Access System (RAS).
➤ Select Run from the File menu or click the Run button. The Run Sim-
ulation and View Results dialog box appears.
list and click View .
From the Node Summary, you can see that the total flowrate is 1,180,910
kg/hr.
➤ To view the NODE results and the LINK plots, select View Output
from the View menu.
➤ Double-click on a NODE to see its pressure, temperature, and flow-
rate.
➤ Double-click on the LINK to bring up the Link Plot Selection dialog
box and click Temperature vs. Distance .
The temperature plot in Figure 6 shows that the fluid temperature never
drops below the ambient temperature. Since the gas phase is just devel-
oping, the Joule-Thompson effect is weak.
Figure 6:
Temperature vs.
Distance Plot
➤ Click Run Results Access System within the Run Simulation and
View Results dialog box to access the Results Access System (RAS).
➤ To activate the PIPEPHASE RAS dialog box, select File/New to cre-
ate a new RAS database. Select CPIPE.ras (Figure 7).
Figure 7:
PIPEPHASE RAS
Dialog Box
➤ Click Special Plots... .

➤ Check the Phase Envelope box and click View Plot to display the
phase envelope (Figure 8).
This also shows the fluid state through the pipe's length with respect to
the phase envelope.
Figure 8:
Phase Envelope
Save your simulation before starting Part B.
Part B Generate a PVT table to speed up the flash calculations. Before making
any changes, save the file as CPIPEB. Make the following changes:
➤ Select the PVT Data from the General menu or click the PVT Data
button on the toolbar.
➤ Click Edit... and check the box next to Generate PVT Table... .
Click the button to enter the data.
➤ Enter the Source Name and a range of pressures and temperatures
that spans the expected range. A reasonable range is 5-75°C and 5-
75 bar with 10 degree and 10 bar increments respectively.
➤ Run the simulation.
Runs using the PVT table to interpolate the physical properties are about
5-6 times faster than using the flash calculations.
From the Node Summary section of the output report, the fluid proper-
ties to simulate a black oil are:
Gas specific gravity = 1.47
Oil specific gravity = 0.88
Gas/Oil Flowrate Ratio = 97 m3/ m3
Oil Flowrate = 1083 m3/hr
, Note: Use PVT table generation when no SEPARATOR or INJECTION
(from a SEPARATOR) devices exist in the LINK or when all
SOURCEs have the same composition. The composition of the
fluid must remain the same throughout the system.
Part C Convert the simulation to a blackoil fluid to see how this non-composi-
tional approach affects the results. Before making any changes, save the
file by selecting Save As from the File menu. Name the new simulation
CPIPEC. Make the following changes:
➤ Change the simulation type to Blackoil by selecting Simulation Defi-

nition from the General menu.
➤ Change the Gas Densit , Oil Density, and Water Density units to spe-
cific gravity (sp gr) by selecting Input Units of Measure from the
General menu or by clicking the Input Dimensions toolbar button.
➤ Select PVT Data from the General menu, or click the PVT Data but-
ton on the toolbar. Click New... in the Fluid Property Data dialog
box. In the Blackoil PVT Data dialog box, enter the specific gravity
of the gas and oil calculated in Part B, and set the specific gravity of
water to “1”.
➤ Double-click on the SOURCE, enter the Gas/Oil Ratio calculated in
Part B, and select the Property Set number as “1” from the drop-
down list. Enter “0” for the water cut.
➤ Rerun the program, and compare the results of the compositional
and the non-compositional solutions.
You will find that the black oil flowrate is now 620 m 3/hr, significantly
lower than the compositional oil flowrate of 1,083 m 3/hr. This change is
caused by the different representations used for the fluid physical prop-
erties.
The non-compositional run took 3 seconds, compared to 4 seconds for

the PVT table calculation/interpolation, and 15 seconds for the composi-
tional flash. These values will vary depending upon CPU speed.
Gas Well
# TASK A gas well is drilled in two stages: vertically for 1,067 meters, and then
at an angle for 935 meters (another 610 meters deep).
Figure 9:
Gas Well
! &'ð]
&! ð]
)#%ð]
The tubing string is 2.441 inches in diameter. Use metric dimensions for
everything except the fine length. Table 5 gives the composition and
source conditions of the inlet gas.

Component Mole %
Methane 80%
Ethane 15%
Propane 5%
Pressure 74 bar
Temperature 74°C
Flowrate 0.01 MM m3/hr (STP)
Provide initial sink estimates: pressure= 50 bar, flowrate= 100,000 kg/hr.
Part A What is the pressure drop to the surface?

What is the specific gravity of the gas?
Part B Convert the simulation to a non-compositional single-phase gas and run

it again.
What is the pressure drop to the surface now?

What is the actual flowrate at the source?
18 Gas Well
@ SOLUTION Create a new problem by selecting New from the File menu. Name the
simulation GWELL.
Part A

➤ In the Simulation Definition dialog box, keep Network Model as the
Simulation Type and choose Compositional as the Fluid Type.
➤ In the Input Dimensions dialog box, select Metric from the System
drop-down list.
➤ Change the Default Basis from Moles to Gas Volume.
, Note: If you change the basis after you enter the flowrate data, the
flowrate value is not converted to the corresponding value in
the new units, only the units are changed.
➤ Change the Fine Length units to inches, since the TUBING diameter
is given in inches.
Note the warning that SINK flowrates must be specified in Weight units
for compositional fluids.
Step 2 Enter Component Data

➤ In the Component Data dialog box, click Add... in the Library
Components field to open the Library Component Data dialog box.
Under the Component Family List, Standard Production Set is the default
and the components of this set are listed in the Specific Components
Available for Selection section.
➤ Highlight components C1, C2, and C3 and click Add Components

to add them to the Component List.
You can access the library components again by clicking the Component
Selection button.

➤ Add a source and a sink to the flowsheet and connect.

Source Data
➤ Double-click on the SOURCE and enter the Temperature and Pressure
data. When entering the flowrate, first select the Fixed radio button.
➤ Click Define Composition... and enter the composition for the pre-
viously selected components from Table 5. Select Save from the
Worksheet menu when complete.
, Note: Because no Inflow Performance Relationship, IPR, information

is given to relate the reservoir conditions to the flowing condi-
tions, the SOURCE P and T are the flowing bottomhole pressure
and temperature. If an IPR was given, the SOURCE P and T
would be the reservoir P and T.
Sink Data
➤ Double-click on the SINK to enter the Sink dialog box.
➤ Check the Estimated button for the pressure and provide an initial
estimate. By default, the Estimated button for the flowrate is acti-
vated, indicating that PIPEPHASE will calculate this value.
➤ Supply an initial estimate for the gas flowrate.

➤ Double-click on the LINK to open up the Link Device Data window.
For a LINK with multiple devices, the order in which you list the devices
is critical. You must enter the section of tubing next to the SOURCE first.
In this case, the deviated section of the tubing string is entered first.
➤ Click on the TUBING button and enter the Measured Wireline Depth,
True Vertical Depth, and Inside Diameter data.
, Note: Remember that the Measured Wireline Depth of tubing is the

total length starting from the well head, and the True Vertical
Depth is the depth from the well head to the start of that tubing
section.
For the deviated section, the measured wireline depth is 2,002 meters (=
1,067 + 935); and the true vertical depth is 1,677 meters (= 1,067 + 610).
➤ To enter the vertical section of the tubing string, click the TUBING
button again and enter the data for this segment (measured wireline
depth is 1,067 m; true vertical depth is also 1,067 m).
20 Gas Well
, Tip: Make sure to select Full for Device Detail, Plots and RAS
Database options (select Print Options under the General
menu) so that you can generate a Phase Envelope plot by click-
ing Special Plots... in the Results Access System (RAS).
The Link Summary shows the pressure drop to the surface is 54.9 bar
and the actual flowrate at the SOURCE is 0.000148 MM m 3/hr. The spe-
cific gravity of the gas is found in the Node Summary section of the
report. You should get a value of 0.68.
➤ To view the NODE results and the LINK plots, select View Output
from the View menu and double-click on a NODE to see its Pressure,
Temperature, and Flowrate.
Part B Convert the problem to a non-compositional single-phase gas, run it

again and note how this affects the results. Before making any changes,
save the file by selecting Save As from the File menu. Name the ne
simulation GWELLB. If necessary, select View Output from the View
menu to return to edit input mode. Make the following changes:
➤ Change the simulation type to Gas by selecting Simulation Defini-
tion from the General menu.
➤ Change the gas density units to specific gravity by selecting Input
Units of Measurement from the General menu or by clicking the
Input Dimensions button on the toolbar.
➤ Select PVT Data from the General menu, or click the PVT Data but-
ton on the toolbar. Click New... in the Fluid Property Data dialog
box and enter the specific gravity of the gas from the compositional
run. Double-click on the SOURCE and set the PVT Property Set num-
ber to "1".
➤ Rerun the simulation and compare the results of the compositional
and the non-compositional solutions.
From the Link Summary, you should find that the pressure drop is now
60.1 bar. The actual flowrate at the source is 0.000146 MM m3/hr.
Case Study of Black Oil Pipeline
# TASK Starting with the Black Oil Pipeline simulation, Part B as the Base Case,
run six cases to study the effects of the following parameters on the pres-
sure drop:
■ Inside diameter
■ Elevation change
■ Pipe roughness
■ Heat transfer coefficient
■ Flowrate at source
■ Pressure drop correlation
Use the Restore Base Case option in each case to set the changed param-
eters back to the original values.
Provide initial estimates for the sink: Pressure = 500 psig, Flowrate =
100,000 bbl/day.
Fill in Table 6 and answer the following questions. In the original Black
Oil Pipeline problem, Part B, the pressure drop was 323 psig.
Table 6: Case Study Data

Case Study Parameter From Value To Value Pressure Drop Difference From
Source-Sink Base Case
Inside diameter 10 11
Elevation change -1,000 -1,100
Pipe roughness 0.002 0.0022
Heat transfer coefficient 1 1.1
Total rate at source (oil basis) 100,000 110,000
Pressure drop correlation BBM DE
Which three parameters have the largest effect on the pressure drop?
Which two parameters have the smallest effect on the pressure drop?
22 Case Study of Black Oil Pipeline

@ SOLUTION
Step 1 Copy a Simulation and Open

➤ Select Copy Simulation from the File menu and copy the simulation
BLKOILB to BLKOILCS.
➤ Select Open from the File menu and choose BLKOILCS file. This is
the Base Case.
Step 2 Enter Case Study Information

➤ Select Case Study from the Special Features menu to open the Case
Study dialog box.
➤ Click the check box for Perform Case Study Calculations to activate
this option.
Case One
➤ Click Add... in the Case Study dialog box to open the Case Study
Changes dialog box.
➤ Provide a description different from CASE STUDY 01 to differentiate
between cases (optional).
➤ Click Add... to open up the Define Case Study Parameter dialog
box.
Because you are studying the effects of the six parameters on the pres-
sure drop, you must enter each change under a new case.
➤ For the first case, select the link L001 from the Link Name list.
You can select Pipe from the Device Type drop-down list to limit the
Device Name list on the following line to include the Pipe device names
only.
➤ From the drop-down lists, select the Device Name, Parameter, and
supply a value for the Inside Diameter in the data field labeled To:
● Link Name L001
● Device Type Pipe
● Device Name E001
● Parameter Inside Diameter
● To (the new ID value) 11
The completed dialog box for case one is shown below in Figure 10.
Figure 10:
Case Study
Parameters for Case 1
➤ Click OK to save the Define Case Study Parameter dialog box to

return to the Case Study Changes dialog box.
Figure 11:
Case Study Changes
for Case 1
➤ Click OK to return to Case Study dialog box.
The Case Study Changes and the Define Case Study Parameter dialog
boxes can be reopened by clicking Edit... .
Case Two
➤ Click Add... to enter the second case.
➤ Check Restore Base Case to reset the parameters changed in the pre-
vious case back to the original values (i.e., the pipe ID is reset to
10").

➤ Click Add... to open up a new Define Case Study Parameter dialog
box and enter the new parameters for link L001:
● Link Name L001
● Device Type Pipe
● Parameter Elevation Change
● To (the new value) -1,100
Case Three through Six
➤ Complete the remaining cases 3 to 6 following a similar procedure,
entering the case data provided in Table 6.
, Note: Remember to click on the Restore Base Case box to return to

the original Base Case values prior to each case.
The Case Study dialog box appears as Figure 12 when all six cases has
been entered.
Figure 12:
Completed Case
Study Dialog Box
➤ Upon the completion of the case study entries, click OK to close

the Case Study dialog box.

➤ Select Run from the File menu, or click the Run button. The Run
Simulation and View Results dialog box appears.
The Case Study Summary appears at the end of the output file and is
reproduced in Figure 13. From the simulation, you can see that Case 1
(inside diameter), Case 5 (flowrate), and Case 6 (pressure drop correla-
tion) show the largest change in pressure drop, ∆(∆p) = 347 psi, -245 psi
and -274 psi, respectively. The heat transfer coefficient and the pipe
roughness have the smallest effect in this simulation.
Figure 13: Case

Study Summar BASE CASE
PRESSURE TEMPERATURE FLOW RATE

NODE PSIG DEG F BBL/DAY
---- -------- ----------- ---------
SORS 1000.0 120.0 99999.90
SINK 677.6 117.4 -99999.90
CASE STUDY 01

---- -------- ----------- ---------
SORS 1000.0 120.0 99999.90
SINK 1024.0 117.2 -99999.90
CASE STUDY 02

---- -------- ----------- ---------
SORS 1000.0 120.0 99999.90
SINK 738.3 117.4 -99999.90
CASE STUDY 03

---- -------- ----------- ---------
SORS 1000.0 120.0 99999.90
SINK 666.8 117.4 -99999.90
CASE STUDY 04

---- -------- ----------- ---------
SORS 1000.0 120.0 99999.90
SINK 677.7 117.2 -99999.90
CASE STUDY 05

---- -------- ----------- ---------
SORS 1000.0 120.0 110000.00
SINK 432.7 117.6 -110000.00
CASE STUDY 06

---- -------- ----------- ---------
SORS 1000.0 120.0 99999.90
SINK 403.6 117.4 -99999.90

Heavy Crude Pipeline
# TASK A 24-inch diameter oil pipeline is planned for an offshore platform in a

remote arctic site for transportation to an inland facility. The oil is a
highly viscous heavy crude, 20 API, with a temperature-dependent vis-
cosity indicated in Table 7. The crude temperature at the platform is
110°F and the ocean temperature remains at about 35°F throughout the
year. The design parameters for the pipeline are a source pressure of 300
psig, a sink pressure of 150 psig, and a capacity of at least 80,000 bar-
rels/day.
Pipe 2 is buried on the ocean floor and Pipe 3 is buried on dry land. Both
are at a depth of 3 feet. Use a thermal conductivity of 0.3 BTU/hrft°F for
dry soil and 1.2 BTU/hrft°F for wet soil.
Determine how the seasonal variations in air temperature affect the pipe-
line's flow capacity. In the summer, air temperatures can reach 50°F, and
in the winter temperatures are as low as 5°F. Also evaluate the pipeline
for an air temperature of 30°F.
Figure 14:
Table 7: Crude Viscosity Data

Temperature (°F) Viscosity (cp)
70 370
120 50
Use 1.0 for the specific gravity of water.
Use 80,000 bbl/day as the initial flowrate estimate for both the source
and the sink.
Part A Perform case studies on the pipeline at the ambient air temperatures indi-
cated in Table 8. The ambient temperatures for Pipes 1 and 2 should
remain at 35°F. Use the Results Access System (RAS) to make a plot
showing a temperature profile for each of the cases.
Table 8: Effect of Air Temperature on Flowrate

Case Ambient Flowrate,
Temperature (°F) bbl/day
Base Case 50
Case #1 30
Case #2 5
Part B Specify 2 inches of insulation (conductivity = 0.015 Btu/hr-ft-°F) on

Pipe 3 and repeat the run. Make a similar plot showing a temperature
profile for each of the cases.
, Note: Simulation convergence is often dependent upon the segment

length used during the calculations. In this case, select Calcu-
lation Methods from the General menu and select Manual Seg-
mentation from the Segmentation drop-down list.
Does the winter flowrate improve?
@ SOLUTION Create a new problem by selecting New from the File menu. Name the
simulation HCRUDE.

The Simulation Type is Network Model and the Fluid Type is Liquid.
Since all of the PIPE inside diameters are 24 inches, you can save some
time by changing the Global Default Pipe ID to 24 inches. Similarly, you
may want to change the default Ambient Temperature to 35°F. Set Maxi-
mun Iteration to 150 and de-check Hausen Method.
Step 2 Build the Flowsheet and Enter Unit Data

link.
➤ Enter the pipeline into the Link Device Data window.
Remember to supply the thermal conductivities for Pipes 2 and 3. The

ambient temperature for Pipes 1 and 2 is 35°F for all cases. For the base
case run, start with the summer ambient air temperature, 50°F, for Pipe 3
and estimate the source flowrate at 80,000 bbl/day.
28 Heavy Crude Pipeline

Step 3 Enter Case Study Problem
➤ Select Case Study from the Special Features menu and check the
Perform Case Study Calculations box in the Case Study dialog box.
➤ Click Add... to enter a case.
➤ Check Restore Base Case to reset all the parameters changed in the
previous Case Study back to the original values (i.e., the pipe ID is
reset to 10 inches).
➤ Click Add... to open up a new Define Case Study Parameter dialog
box and enter the Case Study parameter provided in Table 8.
➤ Repeat the steps above for the second case.
➤ Upon the completion of the case study entries, click OK to close
the Case Study dialog box.

Before you run the simulation, enable the Results Access System (RAS)
by selecting Print Options from the General menu and select Full from
the RAS Database drop-down list. Also select Part from the Device
Detail drop-down list, which increases the amount of reporting in the
output file.
Find the Case Study Summary at the end of the output file. Table 9
shows the results.
Table 9: Effect of Air Temperature on Flowrate

Case Ambient Flowrate
Base Case 50 92,771
Case #1 30 81,990
Case #2 5 3,250
As you can see, the flowrate drops drastically during the winter. The low
temperature causes a large increase in viscosity, which in turn causes a
lower flowrate between the (constant pressure) SOURCE and SINK. The
lower flowrate means more heat loss, which leads to higher viscosity,
etc. The result is a flowrate that can be very sensitive to ambient temper-
ature.
Table 10 shows the results for the same Case Study set but with two
inches of insulation with a conductivity of 0.015 Btu/(hr-ft-°F) on Pipe
3. The winter flowrate has increased significantly, and the insulation is
probably a wise investment. To perform a more complete analysis, you
can investigate insulating the other pipes, different insulation thick-
nesses, the use of heaters, etc. With economic data, you can choose the
best scenario.
Table 10: Results with 2 Inches of Insulation on Pipe 3

Case Ambient Flowrate
Base Case 50 101,155
Case #1 30 96,969
Case #2 5 90,755
Step 5 Generate Results Access System Plots

The PIPEPHASE Results Access System (RAS) allows you to graphi-
cally display your simulation results. To generate plots in the RAS, you
must set RAS Database to Full in the Print Options under the General
menu before you run the simulation.
➤ To access this system, click Results Access System within the Run
Simulation and View Results dialog box.
➤ Select New from the File menu to create a new RAS database.
➤ Choose HCRUDE.ras and click OK . The PIPEPHASE RAS dialog
box appears (Figure 15).
Figure 15:
PIPEPHASE RAS
Dialog Box
➤ Click View/Edit... .
In this exercise, you want to plot the temperature for each case study on
a single graph. Leave the x-variable as Total Length.

➤ To select the Y-axis variables, click Add... and select L001 from
the Link Name list.
➤ Check the box next to All Devices in the Link and select Tempera-
ture from the State Variable list. The complete RAS Plot Data
Options dialog box for the Base Case is shown in Figure 16.
Figure 16:
RAS Plot Data
Options
➤ Click Add Selection .

➤ Add the other case study plots by changing the Case Study entry and
clicking Add Selection .
➤ When complete, click Done .
The RAS Plot Options dialog box should have three entries—one for the
base case and one for each case study, as shown in Figure 17.
Figure 17:
RAS Plot Options
Dialog Box
➤ Click View to create the graph shown in Figure 18.
The results for the run with two inches of insulation on Pipe 3 are shown
in Figure 19. The discontinuities in the slope of the curves occur where
the different pipes meet. The steeper the curve, the higher the heat trans-
fer rate.
Figure 18:
Plot of Temperature
Versus Length
Figure 19:
Plot of Temperature
Versus Length. Pipe 3
has 2" of Insulation

Pipeline Sphering
# TASK A cross-country pipeline, which carries a two-phase natural gas mixture,

is currently operating at its maximum capacity. The pressure at the end
of the pipeline will become too low if the flowrate is increased and so
additional compression will be required. Sphering, or pigging, is to be
performed in order to increase the throughput of the line. Spheres will be
launched at the beginning of the line and at two intermediate points
along the line as shown in Figure 20.
Your job is to determine the quantity of liquid that will be removed from
the pipeline in order to size the slug catcher.
Figure 20: (µð94ð`YÙ !"³ð94ðð`YÙ

Sphering Pipeline
<&
<'
<% <(
<# <$ 4ð-ð!"â!µ
<"
<! 4ð-ð(â!µ
4ð-ð(µ
C`XUbUð<Qe^SXY^WðCdQdY_^cðQ^TðC`XUbUð4YQ]UdUb
Table 11 gives the composition and conditions of the source fluid. Table
12 provides data for the higher-boiling components.

Component Mole % Component Mole %
C1 88.61 NC5 1.67
C2 3.15 NC6 1.11
C3 2.69 PETRO1 0.55
NC4 2.04 PETRO2 0.18
Pressure 350 psia
Temperature 120°F
Gas Flowrate 0.7667 MM ft3/hr
Table 12: :Petroleum Component Properties

Petroleum Density Boiling
Component (API) Point (°F)
PETRO1 45 350
PETRO2 38 480
The pipe devices are summarized in Table 13. The pipe heat transfer
coefficient is 0.8 Btu/hr ft2°F. The ambient temperature is 65°F.
Table 13: Piping Segments

Pipe Length (ft) Elevation Change (ft)
L1 4224 0
L2 6336 154
L3 8448 -69
L4 3696 100
L5 6336 120
L6 264 -10
L7 2640 58
L8 9504 -118
For initial sink estimates, use 1 lb/hr for flowrate and 10 psia for pres-
sure.
How much liquid must be removed from the pipeline?
How long does it take for the slug to reach the end of the pipe?
How long does it take to re-establish steady-state?
@ SOLUTION Create a new simulation named SPHERE and enter a simulation descrip-
tion.
Step 1 Define the Model

➤ Keep Network Model as the Simulation Type and select Composi-
tional as the Fluid Type.
➤ In the Input Dimensions dialog box, select English as the system
units of measure.
Step 2 Enter Component and Thermodynamic Data

➤ In the Component Data dialog box, click Add... and select the
library components listed in Table 11.
➤ Click Add... in the Petroleum Fractions area, enter the petroleum
components data from Table 12, and click OK to save the entries.
➤ Click the PVT Data button on the toolbar. In the Fluid Property Data
dialog box, click Edit... and change the Water Enthalpy to Super-
heated.
34 Pipeline Sphering
Step 3 Define the Simulation Defaults
➤ Enter the desired global defaults for the Ambient Temperature, Pipe
ID, and Pipe Heat Transfer Coefficient data by clicking the Global
Defaults button on the toolbar.
Step 4 Change the Calculation Options

➤ Select Calculation Methods from the General menu or click the Cal-
culation Methods button from the toolbar.
➤ Check the box next to Sphering Analysis.
Step 5 Build the Flowsheet and Enter Unit and Link Data
link.
➤ Enter the SOURCE and SINK data.
➤ Add eight PIPEs to the LINK and enter the data provided in Table 13.
Remember to input the Sphere Inside Diameter for pipes L1, L3, and L6.

Before you run the simulation, select Print Options from the General
menu and set Device Detail to Part and Plots to Full. Also, check the Tai-
tel Dukler Flow Pattern Map box to generate flow data.
From the Sphering Report, you can see that the slug is 2,723.6 ft long
when it reaches the end of the pipe. Calculating by hand, the slug volume
is 2,137.9 ft3 (12 in. ID) which is delivered in 181.7 sec (just over 3 min-
utes). Steady state flow is re-established 31,092 sec (8.6 hours) after the
sphere is launched.
The latter parts of the Sphering Report is shown below.
Figure 21:
Slug Zone Report ----------------SLUG ZONE------------------
SLUG SLUG
SLUG SLUG EDGE PRESS: EDGE
TIME VELO: LENGTH PRESS: DROP DISTANCE
(SECS) (FPS) (FT) (PSIA) (PSIA) (FT)
------- ------- --------- ------- ------- ---------
1606.9 13.94 2445.6 252.2 21.0 38520.6
1625.4 13.86 2444.5 254.0 20.8 38662.8
1643.8 13.86 2473.0 253.6 21.0 38936.4
1662.3 13.87 2501.4 253.2 21.2 39210.3
1680.8 13.87 2530.2 252.9 21.5 39484.6
1699.3 13.87 2559.0 252.5 21.7 39759.3
1717.7 13.88 2588.0 252.2 21.9 40034.3
1736.2 13.88 2617.1 252.0 22.0 40309.6
1754.7 13.88 2646.3 251.8 22.1 40585.3
1773.1 13.81 2648.2 253.5 21.8 40728.9
1791.6 13.81 2677.6 253.3 21.9 41003.4
1810.1 13.81 2707.1 253.1 22.0 41278.2
1819.3 13.82 2721.8 253.0 22.0 41415.6
1820.5 13.82 2723.6 253.0 22.0 41432.8
Figure 22:
Delivery Report SLUG DELIVERY
-------------
PRESS:
SLUG SPHERE BEHIND
TIME VELOCITY VELOCITY SPHERE
(SECS) (FPS) (FPS) (PSIA)
------- -------- -------- -------
9.8 13.87 13.87 274.6
19.7 13.87 13.87 273.5
29.5 13.90 13.90 272.4
39.3 13.96 13.96 271.6
49.1 13.98 13.98 270.6
58.8 14.02 14.02 269.4
68.5 14.09 14.09 268.6
78.2 14.16 14.16 267.6
87.8 14.21 14.21 266.5
97.3 14.27 14.27 265.5
106.9 14.33 14.33 264.4
116.4 14.39 14.39 263.3
125.8 14.44 14.44 262.1
135.3 14.51 14.51 261.0
144.6 14.57 14.57 259.8
154.0 14.63 14.63 258.6
163.3 14.70 14.70 257.4
172.5 14.77 14.77 256.1
181.7 14.84 14.84 254.8
36 Pipeline Sphering
Looped Black Oil Network
# TASK A black oil gathering and distribution facility is shown below. Oil is col-
lected from four different fields and transported to two terminal points
(B and C). This system consists of loops and cross-over lines.
Figure 23:
Flowsheet for Looped 1"
Black Oil Network "ä% ðVd
:"
# ä ðVd ! ðVd
1! #%ä ðVd
:% 3
!ä ðVd !! ð`cYW
:!
% ä ðVd
# ä ðVd
#%ä ðVd
:& 2
#"ä ðVd ! ðVd !"%ð`cYW
:$ !(ä ðVd ! ä ðVd
:
:#
#ä% ðVd
!ä ðVd
1
1#
Three of the four source flowrates are known by field measurements,

while the remaining source and both terminals have known pressures.
You are required to determine the unknown boundary flows and pres-
sures, along with the flow distribution in the loops and crossovers. Find
the individual delivery rates for the two terminal points and locate any
potential bottlenecks in the system.
To locate bottlenecks, calculate the pressure drop per pipe length for
each link. A large value indicates high frictional losses which could be
alleviated by either increasing the pipe diameter or by adding a second,
parallel pipeline. All pipes are 12 inches in inside diameter
Table 14: Fluid Properties

Oil, specific gravity 0.54
Table 15: Heat Transfer Data
Ambient Temperature, F 80
Overall U-coefficient, Btu/hr-ft2-F 2
Source data is provided below in Table 16. Italicized numbers corre-

spond to initial estimates for unmeasured values.
Table 16: Source Data

Name Gas/Oil Ratio Flowrate Temperature Pressure
ft3/bbl BPD ºF psig
A0 400 10,000 120 395
A1 300 10,000 110 300
A2 100 15,500 110 250
A3 230 20,000 120 200
As for sink initial estimates, use 20,000 BPD for first sink and 40,000
BPD for second.
What is the direction of flow between junctions J2 and J4? between J5

and J6? between J0 and J1?
(Remember that a positive flowrate indicates that the flow is in the direc-
tion the link is drawn and negative flow indicates that the flow is in the
opposite direction.)
@ SOLUTION Create a new simulation LOOPNET and enter a simulation description.
Step 7 Enter Simulation Defaults

Use the defaults: Network Model as the Simulation Type , and Blackoil as
the Fluid Type.
➤ Leave the input dimensions as Petroleum, but change the Oil Density
units from API to specific gravity.
➤ Supply the Oil, Gas, and Water specific gravity data in the Blackoil
PVT Data dialog box.
➤ Click the Global Defaults button on the toolbar to open the Global
Defaults dialog box and change the default PIPE inside diameter to
12 inches, and the default PIPE heat transfer coefficient to 2 BTU/hr
ft2°F.

➤ Add four sources, seven junctions, and two sinks to the flowsheet.
Using Figure 23, reposition as needed and add the appropriate links.
38 Looped Black Oil Network

You can hold down the <Shift> key to drop multiple units at a time,
releasing the <Shift> key prior to dropping the last unit.
, Note: PIPEPHASE allows a maximum of twenty sources linked to a

given junction. If you want to attach more than twenty sources,
you should enter them in sets of twenty into two separate junc-
tions, and link two junctions together with a very short, large
diameter pipe.
Step 9 Enter Unit and Link Data

➤ Fill in the data for each SOURCE in turn. Provide initial estimates for
unmeasured flowrates and/or pressures.
➤ Enter the data for the SINKs, providing estimates where needed.
➤ Double-click on each LINK in turn, and enter the relevant device
data.
Step 10 Change the Print Options

To locate bottlenecks, you need to get the components of the total pres-
sure gradient for each link.
➤ Select Print Options from the General menu, and select Full for the
Device Detail report option list to get the Pressure Gradient reports.

➤ To view the results, select Output File from the Report drop-down
Check the flowrate directions. You will find that the flow is from J0 to
J1, from J4 to J2 and from J6 to J5. The flowrate into terminal C is
121,430 bbl/day and into terminal B it is 71,306 bbl/day. The highest
pressure drop per pipe length is for the link between A0 and J0 at 0.01
psi/ft (see the Velocity Summary in the Output Report).
You can change the solution tolerances and algorithm options by click-
ing on the Calculation Methods button on the toolbar. Tighten the toler-
ance for pressure and rerun the network. Did your answers change?
Black Oil Gathering System
# TASK A black oil gathering system is shown in Figure 24. There are six wells
leading to an offshore platform, which then has a pipeline to an onshore
facility.
Figure 24:
Black Oil Gathering !
System "
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Given the following data in Tables 17 through 19, find the total flow of
fluid arriving at the onshore terminal (SINK “ONSH”).

Wells 1-3 Wells 4-6
Oil, API 30 Oil, API 33
Gas, specific gravity 0.60 Gas, specific gravity 0.63
Water, specific gravity 1.01 Water, specific gravity 1.03
Table 18: Source and Sink Data

Node Pressure Temperature GOR WCUT
(psig) (°F) (ft3/bbl) (%)
Source 1 2,500 185 700 15
Source 2 2,500 185 750 5
Source 3 2,530 185 500 20
Source 4 2,370 195 700 12
Source 5 2,704 190 600 25
Source 6 2,690 187 700 15
ONSH 160
40 Black Oil Gathering System

Table 19: Link Data
Link Device Prod. Index Length or Inner Vertical Elevation
(bbl/day/psi) Wireline Diameter Depth (ft) Change (ft)
Depth (ft) (in)
L1 IPR 5
Tubing 3,000 2.441 2,500
Choke 1.000
Pipe 1,500 4.000 47
Riser 500 4.000 470
Pipe 30 4.000
L2 IPR 6
Tubing 3,500 2.441 3,500
Choke 1.000
Pipe 1,800 4.000 -70
Riser 500 4.000 490
Pipe 50 4.000
L3 IPR 4.5
Tubing 3,800 2.992 3,700
Choke 1.000
Pipe 2,800 4.000 -70
Riser 500 4.000 490
Pipe 50 4.000
L4 IPR 8
Tubing 4,500 2.992 4,300
Choke 1.000
Pipe 2,700 4.000 -40
Riser 550 4.000 490
Pipe 20 4.000
L5 IPR 5
Tubing 4,200 2.992 4,100
Choke 1.000
Pipe 2,900 4.000 -10
Riser 600 4.000 490
Pipe 20 4.000
L6 IPR 10
Tubing 3,900 2.992 3,900
Choke 1.000
Pipe 3,700 4.000 -10
Riser 600 4.000 490
Pipe 20 4.000
PLAT/ Pipe 490 16.000
ONSH Pipe 211,200 16.000 300
Pipe 5,280 16.000 190
Pipe 10,560 16.000
Use 1,000 bbl/day as the initial flowrate estimate for each source and
6,000 bbl/day for the sink.
@ SOLUTION Create a new simulation named BOGS and enter a simulation descrip-
tion.

Use the defaults: Network Model as the Simulation Type and Blackoil as
the Fluid Type.
➤ Enter the Blackoil PVT data through the Fluid Property Data dialog
box. Create two property sets, one for wells 1-3 and one for wells 4-
6 from the data in Table 1.
➤ Enter the desired global defaults for the LINK data using the Global
➤ Add six sources, one junction, and a single sink to the flowsheet.
Using Figure 24, reposition as needed and connect the appropriate
units.
You can create LINKs in two different ways:

■ Select the first unit and use the cursor to connect the small square of
the first unit to the small square of the second unit.
■ With no icon selected (i.e., no icon has green outline), select Edit
Link from the Edit menu. Click Add Link and select the From and
To node names from the drop-down list of the corresponding nodes.
➤ Fill in the data for each SOURCE and the SINK from the data in Table
18. Provide initial estimates for unmeasured flowrates and/or pres-
sures.
➤ For each LINK, enter the appropriate data for the LINK devices given
in Table 19 (i.e. IPR, TUBIN , CHOKE, PIPE, and RISER).
Tip: A quick way to add multiple links to the flowsheet is to first

add link L1 and complete the required devices for this link.
Then highlight link L1 and select Copy Link from the Edit
menu. Copy this link to links L2 through L6. Then change only
the parameters that differ.
42 Black Oil Gathering System

➤ To view the individual node results, select View Output from the
View menu and double-click on the sink. The total flowrate to the
sink is 27,643 bbl/day and the temperature is 81.0°F.
You can change the solution tolerances and algorithm options by click-
ing on the Network Calculation Methods button on the toolbar. Tighten
the tolerance for pressure and rerun the network. Did your answers
change?
Two Well Gas Lift Analysis
# TASK For a single well on gas lift, the increased back-pressure from the injec-
tion gas affects other wells that share a common flowline. If any of the
other wells are also on gas lift, it in turn contributes to an overall increase
in back pressure. As such, a single-well gas lift analysis performed in
isolation will over-predict production. The actual optimal injection rate
will be influenced by the interacting wells, and will be lower than that
predicted by single-well analysis. The problem therefore is to determine
the amount of gas to allocate to each of the wells under of gas lift in
order to maximize the total production rate from the field. In PIPE-
PHASE, this is determined by executing a case study.
A 1500 ft, 4-inch flowline connects two wells to a separator operating at

250 psi. Gas lift is applied to both wells. Perform an analysis to deter-
mine the maximum production from the two wells.
Given the data in Tables 20 and 21, determine the optimal lift gas alloca-
tion between the two wells, based on the available gas being limited to 4
MM ft3/day, to achieve the maximum oil production.

Blackoil PVT Data
Oil, API 30
Lift Gas Data
Specific gravity 0.8
Table 21: Source Data

Unit Pressure Temperature GOR WCUT
(psig) (°F) (ft3/bbl) (%)
S001 2499 180 108 0
S002 2505 181 102 10.5
44 Two Well Gas Lift Analysis

Table 22: Link Data
Link Device Productivity Length or True Vertical Existing Lift
Index Wireline Depth (ft) Gas Flowrate
(bbl/day/psi) Depth (ft) (MM ft3/day)
L1 IPR 25.5
Tubing 8,010 8,010
Gas Valve 0.5
Tubing 6,810 6,810
Pipe 231
L2 IPR 22.1
Tubing 8,111 8,111
Gas Valve 3.5
Tubing 6,445 6,445
Pipe 103
L3 Pipe 1,500
For Pipe, use nominal diameter = 4", schedule 40. For Tubing, use nom-
inal diameter = 4", schedule TB01. Use a U-value of 1 Btu/hr ft 2°F for
both. The ambient temperature is 65°F.
Use 5,000 bbl/day as the initial flowrate estimate for each source and
10,000 bbl/day as the initial estimate for the sink.
What is the maximum production from the two wells?
@ SOLUTION Create a new simulation named GASLIFT and enter a simulation descrip-
tion.

the Fluid Type.
Use the default Petroleum units of measure set.
➤ Enter the Blackoil PVT data through the Fluid Property Data dialog
box.
➤ Enter the desired global defaults for the LINK device data by clicking
the Global Defaults button on the toolbar
➤ Add two sources, a junction, and a single sink to the flowsheet.
➤ Fill in the data for each SOURCE and SINK in turn. Provide initial
estimates for unmeasured flowrates.
➤ Enter the LINK device data provided in Table 22.
➤ Click the PVT Data toolbar button to reopen the Fluid Property Data
dialog box.
➤ Click Lift Gas Data and enter the specific gravity. This option was
not available earlier since a gas lift valve was not yet part of the net-
work.
Step 3 Enter Case Study Data

For each case, supply two parameters, one for each well.
➤ Select Case Study from the Special Features menu.

➤ Check the Perform Case Study Calculations box and click Add... .
➤ Click Add... and from the drop-down lists, supply the following
for the first case.
● Link Name L001
● Device Type Gas Lift Valv
● Parameter Rate
● Change To 1.0
➤ Click Add... again to supply the second parameter for the same
case (the Link Name is L002; the Device Name is E008). Change the
rate to 3.0.
For the five remaining cases, increase the rate to gas lift valve E003 from
1.5 to 3.5 while decreasing the rate to gas lift valve E008 from 2.5 to 0.5.
Use increments of 0.5 MMSCFD.
Note: A quick way to add multiple cases is to use the Copy function
in the Case Study dialog box.

Before you run the simulation, select Print Options from the General
menu and set the Input Reprint, Property Data, Flash Report options to
None and RAS Database to Full.

From the Case Summary, the optimal solution is 3883.76 BPD and
3056.03 BPD for sources 1 and 2 respectively (for a total of 6939.80
BPD), at a gas injection rate of 2.0 MMSCFD for each well.
Figure 25:
Case Summary BASE CASE

---- -------- ----------- ---------
S001 2499.0 180.0 1479.03
S002 2505.0 181.0 3883.92
D004 250.0 160.3 -5362.95
CASE STUDY 01 - 1/3

---- -------- ----------- ---------
S001 2499.0 180.0 2611.54
S002 2505.0 181.0 3650.82
D004 250.0 161.6 -6262.36
CASE STUDY 02 - 1.5/2.5

---- -------- ----------- ---------
S001 2499.0 180.0 3346.47
S002 2505.0 181.0 3387.39
D004 250.0 162.2 -6733.86
CASE STUDY 03 - 2/2

---- -------- ----------- ---------
S001 2499.0 180.0 3883.76
S002 2505.0 181.0 3056.03
D004 250.0 162.3 -6939.80
CASE STUDY 04 - 2.5/1.5

---- -------- ----------- ---------
S001 2499.0 180.0 4281.03
S002 2505.0 181.0 2611.38
D004 250.0 162.0 -6892.40
CASE STUDY 05 - 3/1

---- -------- ----------- ---------
S001 2499.0 180.0 4576.59
S002 2505.0 181.0 1983.79
D004 250.0 160.9 -6560.37
CASE STUDY 06 - 3.5/0.5

---- -------- ----------- ---------
S001 2499.0 180.0 4818.88
S002 2505.0 181.0 1068.75
D004 250.0 159.2 -5887.63
Plotting the sink data in Excel produces the graph shown in Figure 26.
Figure 26:
Oil Production as a 7000
Function of Case
Number 6750
Total Oil Production (BPD)

6500
6250
6000
5750
5500
5250
5000
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Case Number
Figure 26 shows that the maximum oil production does occur some-
where close to the conditions of case 3, when the gas lift flowrate is 2.0
MMSCFD. Additional runs can be executed to determine more precise
operating conditions. Also, cases where the combined gas lift flowrate is
less than 4.0 MMSCFD should also be examined.

Steam Injection Well
# TASK Steam is continuously injected from a boiler through a flowline, into a

well as shown in Figure 27. The injected steam enhances the mobility of
the reservoir fluid and improves the production in an adjacent well. Sys-
tem details are given in Tables 23-26.
Figure 27:
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Table 23: Link Data

Link Device Nominal Schedule Thickness
Diameter (in) (in)
Pipe 4 40 0.125
Tubing 3.5 TB01
Table 24: Pipe Insulation Data

Thickness 0.1 in
Conductivity 0.01 BTU/hr-ft-°F

Ambient Surface Temperature 80°F
Wind Velocity 10 mph
Earth Conductivity 0.8 BTU/hr-ft-°F
Table 26: Wellbore Data

Wellbore Diameter 8.5 in
Casing OD 6.0 in
Casing thickness 0.125 in
The annulus between the tubing and casing is filled with brine (assume
default “liquid” properties). The injectivity has a value of 10 lb/hr/psi
(model as an IPR).
Use 1,000 lb/hr as the initial flowrate estimate for both the source and
the sink.
Part A Calculate the quality, temperature and rate of fluid being injected into
the reservoir.
Part B What is the effect of burying the flowline 36" below the surface?
Restore the base case, then re-insulate the flowline with 0.125" thick
insulation of thermal conductivity 0.1 Btu/hr-ft-F. What is the effect of
this?
Restore the base case. Drain the brine from the annulus and seal off (i.e.
air filled annulus). What is the improvement?
Part C The results of the previous runs indicate that only hot water (no steam) is
being injected to the reservoir. What changes would you make to ensure
some steam is injected?
@ SOLUTION
Part A Create a new simulation named STMINJ and enter a simulation descrip-
tion.

➤ Define this problem as a Network Model, with Steam as the Fluid
Type.
➤ Enter the Water specific gravity (spgr = 1.001).

➤ Add a source and a sink to the flowsheet. Connect the two units.
➤ Enter the SOURCE and SINK data from Figure 27. Make sure you
check the Injection Well box in the Sink Data Entry dialog box.
➤ Double-click on the LINK. Add a PIPE to the LINK and enter the cor-
responding data. Select Pipe in Air from the Heat Transfer drop-
down list, and click Heat Transfer Data... to enter the correspond-
ing data from Tables 24 and 25.
50 Steam Injection Well

➤ Add a TUBING device following the PIPE and enter its data. Select
Detailed from the Thermal Calculations Heat Transfer list and enter
a Temperature Gradient of 1°F/100 ft.
➤ Click Heat Transfer Data... and enter a Production Time of 100
days and change the Annular Medium to Liquid.
➤ Add an IPR device following the TUBING. Change the Deliverability
Basis to Weight and enter the Productivity Index.

➤ Scroll through the Node Summary and compare your results to those
in Figure 28.
Figure 28:
Node Summary for NODE SUMMARY
Part A STEAM TOTAL
NODE PRES. QUAL. RATE TEMP.
(PSIG) (LBHR) (F)
---- ------- ------ -------- -------
S001 1500.0 * 0.99 1423. 597.5
D002 2000.0 * 0.00 -1423. 245.8
* INDICATES KNOWN PRESSURE OR FLOW
As you can see, only hot water (steam quality=0) is being injected into
the well. In the remaining runs, you will try to reduce the heat losses so
that some steam is actually injected.
Part B
Step 4 Bury the Pipe

Before making any changes, save the file by selecting Save As from the
File menu. Name the new simulation STMINJB.
➤ Double-click on the LINK and double-click on the PIPE.

➤ Select Buried Pipe from the Heat Transfer drop-down list. Click
Heat Transfer Data... and enter the Buried Depth of the PIPE.
➤ Run the simulation and compare your Node Summary to the one in
Figure 29.
Figure 29:
Part B STEAM TOTAL
(PSIG) (LBHR) (F)
---- ------- ------ -------- -------
S001 1500.0 * 0.99 1159. 597.5
D002 2000.0 * 0.00 -1159. 217.0
Burying the pipe actually lowered the downhole temperature and

decreased the steam (water) flowrate. Clearly we should not bury the
pipe to improve the steam quality.
Step 5 Add Insulation to the Base Case

Open the file named STMINJ and save it as STMINJC.
➤ Change the insulation thickness to 0.125 in. and the thermal conduc-
tivity to 0.1 Btu/hr-ft-°F in the Pipe Detailed Heat Transfer Data
dialog box.
➤ Run the simulation and compare your Node Summary to Figure 30.
Figure 30:
Part C STEAM TOTAL
(PSIG) (LBHR) (F)
---- ------- ------ -------- -------
S001 1500.0 * 0.99 2609. 597.5
D002 2000.0 * 0.00 -2609. 274.5
Although the steam temperature increased, it is still a liquid at the injec-

tion site. The simulation shows that insulating the pipe will not remedy
the problem.
Step 6 Change the Tubing Conditions of the Base Case

Open the file named STMINJ and save it as STMINJD.
➤ Double-click on the TUBING device. Click Heat Transfer Data...

and select Gas from the Annular Medium drop-down list.
➤ Run the simulation and compare your Node Summary to Figure 31.
Figure 31:
Part D STEAM TOTAL
(PSIG) (LBHR) (F)
---- ------- ------ -------- -------
S001 1500.0 * 0.99 1353. 597.5
D002 2000.0 * 0.00 -1353. 291.0

Removing the brine gives only a slight improvement in the downhole
steam temperature. The steam quality is still zero.
Part C
Step 7 Change the Source Conditions of the Base Case

Despite our best efforts to reduce heat losses, we have not succeeded in
injecting steam into this well. This is because saturated steam is being
produced at a temperature lower than the saturation temperature at reser-
voir conditions. The only reason you have flow from the low pressure
source to the high pressure sink is due to the head of liquid water in the
tubing.
To drive a gas into the well, we expect the source pressure to be at least
as high as the sink pressure, since a column of gas has a negligible head.
With this in mind, we will examine increasing the boiler pressure to at
least 2000 psig.
Open the file named STMINJ and save it as STMINJE.
➤ Perform a Case Study with boiler pressures at 1,500 (base case),

2,000, 2,200, 2,400, 2600, 2800, and 3,000 psig.
Figure 32 shows a condensed version of the Node Summary that appears

in the Output file. As you would expect, increasing the boiler pressure
increases the downhole steam quality. It also demands higher power and
hence higher costs. It is your job to balance these additional operating
costs with the benefits obtained by steam injection. From here you might
want to explore the effect of operating at an intermediate pressure, say
2,200 psig, and adding insulation. This might be more cost effective than
simply running the boiler at 2,600 psig.
Figure 32:
Node Summary for BASE CASE
Part C STEAM TOTAL
(PSIG) (LBHR) (F)
---- ------- ------ -------- -------
S001 1500.0 * 0.99 1423. 597.5
D002 2000.0 * 0.00 -1423. 245.8
* INDICATES KNOWN PRESSURE OR FLOW
CASE NO. 1
STEAM TOTAL
(PSIG) (LBHR) (F)
---- ------- ------ -------- -------
S001 2000.0 * 0.99 3291. 636.6
D002 2000.0 * 0.00 -3291. 567.4
CASE NO. 2
STEAM TOTAL
(PSIG) (LBHR) (F)
---- ------- ------ -------- -------
S001 2200.0 * 0.99 4443. 650.2
D002 2000.0 * 0.02 -4443. 636.4
CASE NO. 3
STEAM TOTAL
(PSIG) (LBHR) (F)
---- ------- ------ -------- -------
S001 2400.0 * 0.99 5918. 663.0
D002 2000.0 * 0.20 -5918. 636.6
CASE NO. 4
STEAM TOTAL
(PSIG) (LBHR) (F)
---- ------- ------ -------- -------
S001 2600.0 * 0.99 7874. 674.9
D002 2000.0 * 0.32 -7874. 636.6
CASE NO. 5
STEAM TOTAL
(PSIG) (LBHR) (F)
---- ------- ------ -------- -------
S001 2800.0 * 0.99 9985. 686.3
D002 2000.0 * 0.38 -9985. 636.6
CASE NO. 6
STEAM TOTAL
(PSIG) (LBHR) (F)
---- ------- ------ -------- -------
S001 3000.0 * 0.99 12476. 697.0
D002 2000.0 * 0.40 -12476. 636.6

Forecasting Well Production
# TASK The oil field shown in Figure 33 is being evaluated for possible introduc-
tion into an existing crude oil gathering network. The Planning Depart-
ment has asked you for an indication of the contribution from this field
during its first year of production.
Figure 33:
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The well source data is given below and the well head pressure is fixed at
50 psig. From economic considerations, production may be achieved
using either 3" or 4" tubing. The well is expected to have a productivity
index (PI) of 2.4 bbl/day/psi, although experience has shown that for a
field of this nature, a PI as high as 4.8 is possible.
Determine the effects of changing the tubing diameter and PI on the

amount of oil retrieved. Also, calculate the amount of oil collected after
the first year of production using the optimum well configuration.

Ambient Temperature,°F 50
Overall U-coefficient, Btu/hr-ft2°F 0.74

Oil, API 34
Table 29: Well Source Data
Temperature, °F 150
Pressure, psig 4500
Gas/oil ratio, ft3/bbl 40
Water Cut, % 20
Use 3,000 bbl/day as the initial flowrate estimate for both the source and
the sink.
@ SOLUTION Create a new simulation named FORECAST and supply a simulation

description.

➤ Enter the Blackoil PVT data.
➤ Enter the desired global defaults for the Ambient Temperature and
the TUBING data using the Global Defaults button on the toolbar.

➤ Add a source and a sink to the flowsheet. Connect the two units.
➤ For the LINK data, enter the IPR device first. Select the Productivity
Index option from the IPR Model drop-down list and click
IPR Model Data to enter a PI value of 2.4 bbl/day/psig.
➤ For the three TUBING devices, enter the length and depth for each
section. Remember, the TUBING farthest from the well head must be
entered first.
Step 3 Enter Case Study Data

➤ Select Case Study from the Special Features menu.
➤ Check the Perform Case Study Calculations box and click Add... .
Click Add... to enter the Define Case Study Parameter dialog box.
Case One
➤ Using Figure 34 as a guide, enter data to change the TUBING inside
diameter from 3" to 4" for all links.
56 Forecasting Well Production

Figure 34:
Parameters Dialog
Box for the First Case
➤ Check the Restore Base Case Solution box in the Case Study
Changes dialog box.
Case Two
➤ Using Figure 35 as a guide, enter data to perform an individual
change to the IPR device, with the Productivity Index as the parame-
ter.
Figure 35:
Parameters Dialog
Box for the Second
Case
➤ Check the Restore Base Case Solution box in the Case Study
Changes dialog box.
Case Three
For the third case, change both parameters of the oil reservoir simulta-
neously. You must consider both global and individual changes for this
case. You can accomplish this in either of two ways:
■ You can restore the simulation to the Base Case and then vary both
parameters in the third case. This is done by adding the change
parameters within the same Case Study Changes dialog box, or
■ You can choose not to check the Restore Base Case Solution box and
change the parameter that was not already varied in the second case
(tubing ID).

At the end of the output report, you will find a summary of the case
study results as shown below in Figure 36. As you might expect, the
highest flowrate is achieved when the TUBIN inside diameter is set to 4
and the PI is at 4.8. Under these circumstances, the well would produce
6,599.4 bbl/day or 2.41x106 bbl/yr.
Figure 36:
Case Study Summar BASE CASE

---- -------- ----------- ---------
SORS 4500.0 150.0 3249.59
SINK 50.0 141.8 -3249.59
CASE 01

---- -------- ----------- ---------
SORS 4500.0 150.0 3547.88
SINK 50.0 140.1 -3547.88
CASE 02

---- -------- ----------- ---------
SORS 4500.0 150.0 5284.97
SINK 50.0 144.9 -5284.97
CASE 03

---- -------- ----------- ---------
SORS 4500.0 150.0 6599.40
SINK 50.0 144.5 -6599.40
58 Forecasting Well Production

Three-Year Decline Model
# TASK Two wells, producing from a single reservoir, flow into a manifold
which has a pipeline connection to a processing facility. The production
in this system is to be analyzed based on a three year decline model.
Figure 37:
Two Well System @b_SUccY^W
from a Single
Reservoir
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Use the Results Access System to plot the pressure traverses for the well
links as a function of time. Also tabulate and plot the individual well oil
flowrates and the total oil flow rates as a function of time for three years.
Table 30: Reservoir Decline Data

Cumulative Oil Average Reservoir
Production (bbl) Pressure (psig)
0 2602
10,000,000 2431
20,000,000 2296
30,000,000 2011
40,000,000 1958
50,000,000 1834
Table 31: IPR Decline Data

Reservoir Well 1 Well 2
Pressure (psig) GOR(ft3/bbl) WCUT(%) GOR(ft3/bbl) WCUT(%)
2602 450 10.1 455 11.1
2431 477 10.3 481 11.1
2296 492 10.8 506 11.5
2011 513 11.0 530 11.8
1834 550 11.8 562 12.5
Well 1 Well 2
Oil, API 35.2 Oil, API 35.4
Gas, specific gravity 0.704 Gas, specific gravity 0.710
Water, specific gravity 1.010 Water, specific gravity 1.012
Table 33: Source and Sink Data

Source Pressure Abandonment Temperature GOR WCUT
(psig) Pressure (°F) (ft3/bbl) (%)
(psig)
Well 1 2,602 1,200 105 450 10.1
Well 2 2,598 1,200 125 455 11.1
Sink 300
Table 34: Link Device Data

Link Device PI Length (ft) Nominal True Vertical Elevation
(bbl/day/psi) Diameter (in) Depth (ft) Change (ft)
L1 IPR 30
Tubing 1,500 2.875 1,450
Choke 2.000
Pipe 201 4.000 -5
L2 IPR 25
Tubing 1,631 2.875 1515
Choke 2.000
L3 Pipe 4,070 4.000 207
, Note: Tubing and Pipe diameters are nominal. The actual inside
diameters are as follows: for a 4 in. pipe (schedule 40), the
actual inside diameter is 4.028 in; for 2.875 in. (API) tubing,
the actual inside diameter is 2.441 in.
60 Three-Year Decline Model

Figure 38: "'
Reservoir Decline
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3e]e\QdYfUð@b_TeSdY_^
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Use 7,000 bbl/day as the initial flowrate estimate for the first source,
11,000 bbl/day for the second, and 20,000 bbl/day for the sink.
@ SOLUTION Create a new simulation named TDPRODPL and enter a simulation

description.

the Fluid Type.
➤ Enter Black Oil PVT data for each set.

➤ Add two sources, a junction, and a sink to the flowsheet and connect.
➤ Enter SOURCE and SINK data.
Step 3 Enter Reservoir Data

➤ Select Reservoir Database from the Special Features menu to open
the Reservoir Database dialog box.
➤ Click New... to enter the reservoir decline data.
➤ Set the Production Basis as the Oil and Water Standard Volume from
the drop-down list. The Cumulative Production is 0 for a new field.
➤ Click Enter Data... to input the Reservoir Decline Curve data.
➤ Fill in the first reservoir pressure and the cumulative production
data.
➤ Click Add After on the menu bar to add the second set of data.
➤ Once completed, select Save from the Worksheet menu to save and
exit the worksheet.

➤ Double-click on the Link L1 to open the Link Device Data window.
➤ Add an IPR device and enter the PI value.
➤ Click IPR Decline Data to open the related dialog box. Select the
Group Decline Model from the Production Decline drop-down list.
Select RC01 as the Reservoir Group from the drop-down list. Fill in
the Reservoir abandonment pressure. Select Reservoir Pressure for
the Decline basis, and fill in the given data. Close the dialog box b
clicking OK .
➤ You can now select the remaining devices in the link and enter the
length, depth, or elevation change and diameter data for these TUB-
ING, CHOKE and PIPE devices.
➤ Following the same procedure as in L1, enter the link devices for the
links L2 and L3.
, Note: Pressure decline is specific to the reservoir; GOR and water cut
changes are specific for each well.
Step 5 Enter Time Stepping Data

➤ Select Time Stepping from the Special Features menu.
➤ Check the box to activate the time stepping calculations.
➤ Check the box for Production Decline and click the associated but-
ton.
Time data is 365, 730, and 1,096 days for 3 years production planning.

To create the file necessary to run the RAS, the RAS Database of Full
option in the Print Options dialog box must first be selected before you
run the simulation.
Figure 39 shows the Time Stepping Summary in the output report.

Figure 39:
Time Stepping TIME = 0.00 DAYS
Summary
---- -------- ----------- ---------
S001 2602.0 105.0 9298.83
S002 2598.0 125.0 8389.54
J004 1220.1 114.4 0.00
D003 300.0 113.3 -17688.37
TIME = 365.00 DAYS

---- -------- ----------- ---------
S001 2478.5 105.0 8677.06
S002 2474.5 125.0 7848.13
J004 1156.4 114.3 0.00
D003 300.0 113.2 -16525.19
TIME = 730.00 DAYS

---- -------- ----------- ---------
S001 2377.4 105.0 8184.93
S002 2373.4 125.0 7409.61
J004 1106.2 114.3 0.00
D003 300.0 113.2 -15594.54
TIME = 1096.00 DAYS

---- -------- ----------- ---------
S001 2285.3 105.0 7757.84
S002 2281.3 125.0 7025.51
J004 1062.0 114.3 0.00
D003 300.0 113.1 -14783.35
Step 7 Generate Results Access System Plots

You can plot the studied cases on a single plot to see how the system
pressure traverse is affected by the reservoir pressure decline over the
years (Part A). You can also plot how the oil production drops in each
well individually or in different links, by using the Results Access Sys-
tem (RAS) (Part B).
➤ After the simulation is run, click Results Access System within the
Run Simulation and View Results dialog box.
➤ To activate the PIPEPHASE RAS dialog box, select New from the
File menu to create a new RAS database and choose TDPRODPL.ras.
Plotting Graphs with the SIMSCI Plot Viewer

➤ Click View/Edit... for the Plot Report option.
➤ Fill in the title and axis labels as desired. You can leave the x-axis as
the Total Length.
➤ Click Add... . The RAS Plot Data Options dialog box appears.
➤ Select the Link as L001, check the All Devices in the Link box to see
the change from the reservoir to the manifold, and select Pressure
from the State Variable list and click Add Selection .
➤ Add the other time step plots by changing the Case Study entry and
clicking Add Selection .
➤ After all four time step plots are added, click Done .
➤ Click View to generate the plot.
Compare how the pressure changes in the system as the production rates
change over the years. The graph is shown in Figure 40.
Figure 40:
Plot of Pressure as a
Function of Total
Length in Link L001
Plotting Graphs in Microsoft Excel

The Plot Viewer is the default option to view the plots. However
Microsoft Excel is also available. Follow a similar procedure as in Part A
to define this plot.
➤ Select Setup Options from the General menu in the PIPEPHASE

RAS dialog box.
➤ Choose the Excel 5.0/7.0 Plotter radio button and click OK .
➤ Select New from the Plot Report list and click View/Edit... .
➤ Change the X-axis to Time.

➤ Click Add... and select the Oil. Std. Volumetric Flow Rate from the
Hydraulic Variable drop-down list, then add the selection for each of
the three links.
➤ To view the plots, click View . This will open up Excel for the plot
(Figure 41). The raw data is also transferred into Excel and is located
on the second sheet named RAS Raw Data.
Figure 41:
Plot of Individual Well
and Total Oil
Flowrates as a
Function of Time
Ridge Pipeline
# TASK A new well is planned for a reservoir that lies under a steep ridge. Due to
the location of the reservoir, the well will be deviated as shown in Figure
42. The production of the well will be routed to a gas-oil separator oper-
ating at 100 psig, by way of a constant diameter flowline. This separator
is located on the other side of the ridge. The flowline may be built over
the ridge, or around it, as illustrated in Figure 43.
Figure 42:
Well Geometry
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Figure 43:
Topographical Layout
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Table 35 gives the Measured Wireline Depth and True Vertical Depth for
the well, which corresponds with Figure 42.
66 Ridge Pipeline
Table 35: Tubing Measurements
Location Measured Wireline True Vertical
Depth (ft) Depth (ft)
A 800 800
B 4500 4000
C 7500 6500
Use 2,500 bbl/day as the initial flowrate estimate for both the source and
the sink.
Part A Design the well and flowline to maximize total production. Use the
Beggs-Brill (with Moody Friction Factor) flow correlation (BBM),
Standing physical property correlations, and the information given in
Tables 36 through 39.

Oil 20 API
Gas 0.79 sp.gr
Water 1.01 sp.gr

Ambient Temperature 65°F
Geothermal Gradient 2.08 °F/100 ft
Table 38: Reservoir Data

Temperature 200°F
Pressure 2,950 psig
Gas/oil ratio 475 ft3/bbl
Water Cut 0%
Estimated PI 1.7 bbl/day/psi
Table 39: Link Data

Tubing Nominal ID 4.00 in.
Tubing roughness (absolute) 0.0003 in.
Tubing Heat Transfer 2.2 BTU/hr-ft2-°F
Pipe Nominal ID 6.00 in.
Pipe roughness (absolute) 0.0005 in.
Pipe Heat Transfer 3.0 BTU/hr-ft2-°F
Which design maximizes production, building the flowline over the
ridge or around it?
What is the oil flowrate for the optimum design?
Part B After the well is drilled, a fluid analysis yields the data in Table 40.
At the reservoir temperature of 200°F, the bubble point pressure is 2,110

psi, viscosity is 0.7 cp, and compressibility above bubble point pressure
is 0.00002 vol/vol/psi. The water cut remains at 0%.
Table 40: Fluid Analysis Data

Property Bubble Point Medium Pressure Low Pressure
Pressure (psi) 2,110 1,200 200
Solution GOR (SCF/bbl) 400 280 38
Formation Volume Factor (bbl/STB) 1.298 1.206 1.079
Using the optimum design, found in Part A, what is the flowrate with the
adjusted Standing data?
Part C A portable separator test conducted at the wellhead yields the data in
Table 41.
Table 41: Well Test Data

Oil Rate 2,500 bbl/day
Wellhead Pressure 140 psig
Wellhead Temperature 160°F
Recalculate the flowrate using this additional data.
What is the actual PI?
What is the actual tubing heat transfer coefficient?
@ SOLUTION
Part A Create a new simulation named RIDGE and enter a simulation descrip-
tion.

➤ Enter Blackoil PVT data. To use the Standing correlation for physi-
cal properties, click Correlations Data in the Fluid Property Data
68 Ridge Pipeline
dialog box. Select Standing from the drop-down list for GOR, Oil
FV , Z-factor, and Oil Viscosit .
➤ Enter the desired global defaults for the Ambient Temperature, Geo-
thermal Gradient, and the TUBING and PIPE data using the Global

link.
➤ For the LINK data, enter the IPR device first. Select Productivity
Index from the IPR Model drop-down list. Enter a PI value of 1.7
bbl/day/psig.
➤ For the three TUBING devices, enter the length and depth for each
section. Remember, the TUBING farthest from the well head must be
entered first.
You will have to build two separate flowsheets to simulate the flowline
over the ridge, and the flowline around the ridge.
➤ First, to simulate the flowline over the ridge, add four PIPEs to the
LINK and enter data as shown in Figure 43 (Pipe 1: length = 1,900,
elevation = 0 ft; Pipe 2: length = 1,050, elevation = 250 ft; Pipe 3:
length = 825, elevation = -250 ft; Pipe 4: length = 1,075, elevation =
0 ft).
➤ Use the Mukherjee-Brill (MB) pressure drop correlation for the third
PIPE in the link. This correlation provides an accurate model for
downhill flow.
➤ Save the flowsheet before proceeding.

➤ Find the total standard oil flowrate into the SINK. You can find this
value in the Output Report, or you can select View Output from the
Edit menu and double-click on the sink.
Step 4 Modify the Flowsheet for Flow Around Ridge

➤ Double-click on the LINK and delete the four PIPEs.
➤ Add two PIPEs and enter the data from Figure 43 (P1: length =
3,100, elevation = 50 ft; P2: length = 2,700, elevation = -50 ft). Use
the MB correlation for the downhill PIPE.
➤ Save this flowsheet as RIDGE2.

➤ Run the simulation again.
The results show that building the pipeline around the ridge yields a
more favorable result, with a standard oil flowrate of 2,398.7 bbl/day.
Building the pipeline over the ridge results in a standard oil flowrate of
2,361.9 bbl/day.
Part B For the second part of the problem, you are provided with fluid data to
improve the accuracy of your model. Use the optimum design (pipeline
around the ridge) for parts B and C. Before making any changes, save
the file as RIDGEB.
Step 6 Adjust Standing Data

➤ Select PVT Data from the General menu.
➤ Select Property Set 1, and click Edit... .
➤ Check the box beside Adjust Standing Data and click the associated
button.
➤ Use the data provided in Table 40 to adjust the corresponding vari-
ables. The resulting dialog box is shown in Figure 44.
Figure 44:
Adjust Standing Data
Dialog Box
70 Ridge Pipeline
The flowrate with the adjusted Standing data is 2,378.3 bbl/day. The
adjusted Standing correlation provides a more accurate model for the
system. Although the difference is small, this discrepancy of about 20
bbl/day can compound itself over the course of a year, resulting in an
annual discrepancy of approximately 7,300 bbl. Generally, the Standing
Correlation is not used for oil with API greater than 15, unless adjusted
data is available. If no such data is provided, the Vasquez correlations
may yield more accurate results.
Part C Open the file named RIDGE2 and before making any changes save the
file as RIDGEC.
Step 8 Add Well Test Data

➤ Double-click on the SOURCE node.
➤ Activate the Well Test Data radio button, then click on the corre-
sponding button.
➤ Enter the data from Table 41 as shown in Figure 45.
Figure 45:
Well Test Data Dialog
Box
➤ Delete the IPR device from the LINK. This enables PIPEPHASE to
calculate the actual PI value from the well test data provided.
➤ To obtain a detailed report for the link devices (including heat trans-
fer coefficients), select Device Detail = Part from the Print Options
dialog box.
➤ Scroll through the Output Report to find the calculated values for the
Productivity Index and the heat transfer coefficient for the TUBING.
The standard oil flowrate is 2,519.3 bbl/day. The calculated PI value is
1.802, and the heat transfer coefficient of the TUBIN is 1.923 BTU/hr-
ft2°F. These results are shown in Figure 46.
Figure 46:Ou tput

Report for IPR INFLOW PERFORMANCE CALCULATION RESULTS
--------------------------------------
WELL NAME L001

IPR TYPE PI
TEST DATA TEST 1
FLOW RATE 2500.0(BPD)
GOR 475.0(CFBBL)
OUTLET PRESSURE 140.0(PSIG)
OUTLET TEMPERATURE 160.0(F)
CALCULATED RESULTS
FLOWING BOTTOMHOLE PRESS 1562.7(PSIG)

HEAT TRANSFER COEFFICIENT 1.923(BTU/HRFT2F)
IPR COEFFICIENTS (CALCULATED)
PRODUCTIVITY INDEX (PI) 1.802(BPDPSI)
The discrepancy between the estimated and actual PI values demon-

strates the importance of providing accurate estimates for a simulation
model. By providing an initial estimate of 1.7 for the PI, we provide a
value that is too low to properly simulate actual conditions.
It is important to note that this problem only considered productivity in

coming up with an optimum design for the pipeline. In reality, other fac-
tors have to be considered before deciding on which design is truly opti-
mal. For instance, a rigorous cost: benefit analysis may show that
building the pipeline over the ridge may be a more favorable alternative.
This may be the case if the labor and material costs associated with the
pipe far outweigh the profits of greater productivity. This analysis would
require additional data such as the cost per unit volume of the pipe, and
labor costs for building over or around the ridge.
72 Ridge Pipeline
Appendix - Keyword Input Files
Black Oil Pipeline
Part A
TITLE
DIMENSION RATE(LV)=BPD
CALCULATION NETWORK, Blackoil , PRANDTL
DEFAULT IDPIPE=4.026, IDTUBING=4.026, IDRISER=4.026, IDANNULUS=6.065
PRINT INPUT=FULL , DEVICE=PART , PLOT=PART
SEGMENT AUTO=ON, DLHORIZ(FT)=2000, DLVERT(FT)=500
$
NETWORK DATA
SOLUTION PBALANCE, FLOWAL=2, STEP=1
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
SET SETNO=1, GRAV(OIL,API)=30, GRAV(GAS,SPGR)=0.75, *
GRAV(WATER,SPGR)=1.05
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
SOURCE NAME=S001, PRIORITY=0, SETNO=1, PRES=1000, TEMP=120, *
RATE(ESTI)=1.0000e+005, GOR=200, WCUT=10, XCORD=38, YCORD=202
$
SINK NAME=D002, PRES=500, RATE(ESTI)=1.000e+005, *
XCORD=732, YCORD=200
$
LINK NAME=L001, FROM=S001, TO=D002
PIPE NAME=E001, LENGTH=20000, ECHG=-1000, ID=10, ROUGH(IN)=2.000e-003,*
U=1
$
END
Part B
TITLE
PRINT INPUT=FULL, DEVICE=PART , PLOT=PART
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
RATE=1.0000e+005, GOR=200, WCUT=10, XCORD=38, YCORD=202
$
SINK NAME=D002, PRES(ESTI)=500, RATE(ESTI)=1.000e+005, *
XCORD=732, YCORD=200
$
PIPE NAME=E001, LENGTH=20000, ECHG=-1000, ID=10, ROUGH(IN)=2.000e-003,*
U=1
$
END
Black Oil Flowline with Devices
Part A
TITLE
PRINT INPUT=FULL
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
SOURCE NAME=S001, PRIORITY=0, SETNO=1, PRES=3000, TEMP=190,*
RATE(ESTI)=500, GOR=300, WCUT=20, XCORD=155, YCORD=-1
$
SINK NAME=D002, PRES=200, RATE(ESTI)=500, XCORD=813, YCORD=-1
$
COMPLETION NAME=E001, JONES, TUNNEL=3, PERFD=0.39, SHOTS=8, LENGTH=30
TUBING NAME=E002, LENGTH=8000, DEPTH=6500, ID=1.995, U=10, TGRAD=2
CHOKE NAME=E004, ID=1
$
END
Part B
TITLE
PRINT INPUT=FULL , DEVICE=PART
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
SOURCE NAME=S001, PRIORITY=0, SETNO=1, PRES=3000, TEMP=190, RATE=2531, *
GOR=300, WCUT=20, XCORD=50, YCORD=333
$
SINK NAME=D002, PRES(ESTI)=200, RATE(ESTI)=2531, XCORD=736, YCORD=327
$
COMPLETION NAME=E001, JONES, TUNNEL=3, PERFD=0.39, SHOTS=8, LENGTH=30
SEPARATOR NAME=E005, PERCENT(GAS)=100
PUMP NAME=E006, PRES=700, EFF=85
PIPE NAME=E007, LENGTH=15000, ECHG=200, ID=2.441, U=1
$
END
74 Appendix - Keyword Input Files

Compositional Pipeline
Part A
TITLE
DIMENSION Metric, LENGTH=M,IN
CALCULATION NETWORK, PVTRUN, Compositional, PRANDTL
PRINT INPUT=FULL , DEVICE=PART , PLOT=FULL , DATABASE=FULL
SEGMENT AUTO=ON, DLHORIZ(M)=609.6, DLVERT(M)=152.4
$
COMPONENT DATA
LIBID 1, H2S / 2, C1 / 3, C2 / 4, C3 / 5, IC4 / 6, NC4 / 7, IC5 / *
8, NC5 / 9, NC6
PETRO(KGM3) 10, C78, 109.000, 748.000 / 11, C910, 137.000, 795.000 / *
12, C11+, 207.000, 944.000 / 13, C20+, 354.000, 1036.000, 547.000
$
NETWORK DATA
$
THERMODYNAMIC DATA
METHOD SET=SET01 , SYSTEM=SRK , ENTHALPY=SRK , DENSITY(V)=SRK
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
SET SETNO=1, SET=SET01
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
SOURCE NAME=S001, PRIORITY=0, PRES=74, TEMP=74, *
RATE(ESTI,W)=5.0000e+005, XCORD=132, YCORD=246, *
COMP(M)=1, 5.4 / 2, 2 / 3, 14.3 / 4, 16.3 / 5, 2.9 / 6, 8.6 / *
7, 3.1 / 8, 2.9 / 9, 4.1 / 10, 8.5 / 11, 4 / 12, 20 / 13, 7.9
$
SINK NAME=D002, PRES=10, RATE(ESTI)=5.000e+005, XCORD=684, YCORD=241
$
PIPE NAME=E001, LENGTH=2.000e+005, ECHG=400, ID=24, U=4.8824, TAMB=20
$
END
Part B
TITLE
DIMENSION Metric, LENGTH=M,IN
CALCULATION NETWORK, Compositional, PRANDTL
PRINT INPUT=FULL , DEVICE=FULL , PLOT=FULL , DATABASE=FULL
$
COMPONENT DATA
LIBID 1, H2S / 2, C1 / 3, C2 / 4, C3 / 5, IC4 / 6, NC4 / 7, IC5 / *
8, NC5 / 9, NC6
PETRO(KGM3) 10, C78, 109.000, 748.000 / 11, C910, 137.000, 795.000 / *
12, C11+, 207.000, 944.000 / 13, C20+, 354.000, 1036.000, 547.000
$
NETWORK DATA
$
THERMODYNAMIC DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
GENERATE SETNO=1, SOURCE=S001, TEMP=5, DT=10, NT=8, PRES=5, DP=10, NP=8
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
SOURCE NAME=S001, PRIORITY=0, PRES=74, TEMP=74, *
RATE(ESTI,W)=5.0000e+005, XCORD=30, YCORD=142, *
COMP(M)=1, 5.4 / 2, 2 / 3, 14.3 / 4, 16.3 / 5, 2.9 / 6, 8.6 / *
7, 3.1 / 8, 2.9 / 9, 4.1 / 10, 8.5 / 11, 4 / 12, 20 / 13, 7.9
$
$
$
END
Part C
TITLE
DIMENSION Metric , RATE(LV)=CMHR , LENGTH=M,IN, DENSITY=SPGR
PRINT INPUT=FULL , DEVICE=PART , PLOT=FULL , DATABASE=FULL
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
SET SETNO=1, GRAV(OIL,SPGR)=0.88, GRAV(GAS,SPGR)=1.47, *
GRAV(WATER,SPGR)=1
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
RATE(ESTI)=5.0000e+005, GOR=97, WCUT=0, XCORD=132, YCORD=246
$
$
$
END
Gas Well
Part A
TITLE
DIMENSION Metric , LENGTH=M,IN
CALCULATION NETWORK, Compositional, PRANDTL
PRINT INPUT=FULL, DEVICE=PART , PLOT=FULL, DATABASE=FULL
$
COMPONENT DATA
LIBID 1, C1 / 2, C2 / 3, C3
$
NETWORK DATA
$
THERMODYNAMIC DATA
PVT PROPERTY DATA

$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
SOURCE NAME=S001, PRIORITY=0, PRES=74, TEMP=74, RATE(GV)=0.01, *
XCORD=-62, YCORD=188, COMP(M)=1, 80 / 2, 15 / 3, 5
$
$
TUBING NAME=E001, LENGTH=2002, DEPTH=1677, ID=2.441, U=4.882
$
END
Part B
TITLE
DIMENSION Metric , RATE(GV)=CMHR , LENGTH=M,IN
CALCULATION NETWORK, Gas , PRANDTL
PRINT INPUT=FULL, DEVICE=PART , PLOT=FULL, DATABASE=FULL
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
SET SETNO=1, GRAV(SPGR)=0.68, CPRATIO=1.3
$

STRUCTURE DATA
$
SOURCE NAME=S001, PRIORITY=0, SETNO=1, PRES=74, TEMP=74, RATE=0.01, *
XCORD=-62, YCORD=188
$
$
$
END
Case Study of Black Oil Pipeline

TITLE
PRINT INPUT=FULL , DEVICE=PART , PLOT=PART
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
RATE=1.0000e+005, GOR=200, WCUT=10, XCORD=38, YCORD=202
$
SINK NAME=D002, PRES(ESTI)=500, RATE(ESTI)=1.000e+005, XCORD=732,*
YCORD=200
$
PIPE NAME=E001, LENGTH=20000, ECHG=-1000, ID=10, *
ROUGH(IN)=2.000e-003, U=1
$
CASE STUDY DATA
DESCRIPTION Case 01
RESTORE
PARAMETER PIPE=E001, VARIABLE=ID, VALUE=11
$
CASE STUDY DATA
DESCRIPTION Case 02
RESTORE
PARAMETER PIPE=E001, VARIABLE=ECHG, VALUE=-1100
$
CASE STUDY DATA
DESCRIPTION Case 03
RESTORE
PARAMETER PIPE=E001, VARIABLE=ROUG, VALUE=2.200e-003
$
CASE STUDY DATA
DESCRIPTION Case 04
RESTORE
PARAMETER PIPE=E001, VARIABLE=U, VALUE=1.1
$
CASE STUDY DATA
DESCRIPTION Case 05
RESTORE
PARAMETER SOURCE=S001, VARIABLE=RATE(LV), VALUE=1.100e+005
$
CASE STUDY DATA
DESCRIPTION Case 06
RESTORE
PARAMETER PIPE=E001, VARIABLE=FCOD, FCODE=DE
$
END
Part A
TITLE
CALCULATION NETWORK, Liquid , PRANDTL
DEFAULT IDPIPE=24, IDTUBING=4.026, IDRISER=4.026, IDANNULUS=6.065, *
TAMBIENT=35
PRINT INPUT=FULL , DEVICE=PART , DATABASE=FULL
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
SET SETNO=1, GRAV(LIQUID, API)=20, VISC=70, 370/ 120, 50
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
RATE(ESTI)=80000, XCORD=-99, YCORD=408
$
SINK NAME=D002, PRES=150, RATE(ESTI)=80000, XCORD=691, YCORD=411
$
PIPE NAME=E001, LENGTH=1000, ECHG=-1000, WATER
PIPE NAME=E002, LENGTH=50000, ECHG=1000, SOIL, CONSOIL=1.2, BDTOP=36
PIPE NAME=E003, LENGTH=3.000e+005, SOIL, CONSOIL=0.3, BDTOP=36, TAMB=50
$
CASE STUDY DATA
DESCRIPTION Case 01
PARAMETER PIPE=E003, VARIABLE=TAMB, VALUE=30
$
CASE STUDY DATA
DESCRIPTION Case 02
$
END
Part B
TITLE
CALCULATION NETWORK, Liquid , PRANDTL
TAMBIENT=35
PRINT INPUT=FULL , DEVICE=PART , DATABASE=FULL
SEGMENT AUTO=OFF, DLHORIZ(FT)=2000, DLVERT(FT)=500
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
SET SETNO=1, GRAV(LIQUID, API)=20, VISC=70, 370/ 120, 50
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
RATE(ESTI)=80000, XCORD=-99, YCORD=408
$
$
PIPE NAME=E001, LENGTH=1000, ECHG=-1000, WATER
PIPE NAME=E002, LENGTH=50000, ECHG=1000, SOIL, CONSOIL=1.2, BDTOP=36
PIPE NAME=E003, LENGTH=3.000e+005, SOIL, CONSOIL=0.3, BDTOP=36, *
THKINS=2, 0, 0, 0, 0, CONINS=0.015, 0.015, 0.015, 0.015, 0.015, *
TAMB=50
$
CASE STUDY DATA
DESCRIPTION Case 01
$
CASE STUDY DATA
DESCRIPTION Case 02
$
END

Pipeline Sphering
TITLE
DIMENSION English
CALCULATION NETWORK, Compositional, PRANDTL, SPHERING
TAMBIENT=65, UPIPE=0.8, UTUBING=1, URISER=1, UANNULUS=1
PRINT INPUT=FULL , DEVICE=PART , PLOT=FULL , MAP=TAITEL
$
COMPONENT DATA
LIBID 1, C1 / 2, C2 / 3, C3 / 4, NC4 / 5, NC5 / 6, NC6
PETRO(API) 7, PETRO1, , 45.000, 350.000 / 8, PETRO2, , 38.000, 480.000
$
NETWORK DATA
$
THERMODYNAMIC DATA
WATER PROPERTY=Super
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
$
STRUCTURE DATA
SOURCE NAME=S001, PRIORITY=0, SETNO=1, SET=SET01, PRES=350, TEMP=120, *
RATE(GV)=0.7667, XCORD=192, YCORD=272, COMP(M)=1, 88.61 / 2, 3.15 / *
3, 2.69 / 4, 2.04 / 5, 1.67 / 6, 1.11 / 7, 0.55 / 8, 0.18
$
$
LINK NAME=L001, FROM=S001, TO=D002, PRINT
PIPE NAME=E001, LENGTH=4224, IDSPHERE=8, ID=8, U=0.8
PIPE NAME=E002, LENGTH=6336, ECHG=154, ID=8, U=0.8
PIPE NAME=E003, LENGTH=8448, ECHG=-69, IDSPHERE=8.1, ID=8, U=0.8
PIPE NAME=E006, LENGTH=264, ECHG=-10, IDSPHERE=12.1, ID=12, U=0.8
PIPE NAME=E008, LENGTH=9504, ECHG=-118, ID=12, U=0.8
$
END
Looped Black Oil Network

TITLE
DIMENSION RATE(LV)=BPD , DENSITY=SPGR
DEFAULT IDPIPE=12, IDTUBING=4.026, IDRISER=4.026, IDANNULUS=6.065,*
UPIPE=2, UTUBING=1, URISER=1, UANNULUS=1
PRINT INPUT=FULL, DEVICE=FULL
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
SET SETNO=1, GRAV(OIL,SPGR)=0.54, GRAV(GAS,SPGR)=0.765, *
GRAV(WATER,SPGR)=1
$
STRUCTURE DATA
SOURCE NAME=A0 , PRIORITY=0, SETNO=1, PRES=395, TEMP=120,*
RATE(ESTI)=10000, GOR=400, WCUT=0, XCORD=78, YCORD=884
$
SOURCE NAME=A1 , PRIORITY=0, SETNO=1, PRES(ESTI)=300, TEMP=110,*
RATE=10000, GOR=300, WCUT=0, XCORD=33, YCORD=317
$
RATE=15500, GOR=100, WCUT=0, XCORD=511, YCORD=-94
$
RATE=20000, GOR=230, WCUT=0, XCORD=827, YCORD=938
$
SINK NAME=B , PRES=125, RATE(ESTI)=20000, XCORD=1430, YCORD=579
SINK NAME=C , PRES=110, RATE(ESTI)=40000, XCORD=1444, YCORD=287
$
JUNCTION NAME=J0 , XCORD=212, YCORD=705
$
LINK NAME=L001, FROM=J0 , TO=J1
PIPE NAME=E002, LENGTH=35000, U=2
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
LINK NAME=L009, FROM=J6 , TO=B
$
LINK NAME=L010, FROM=J5 , TO=C
$
LINK NAME=L011, FROM=A0 , TO=J0
$
$
$
$
END
Black Oil Gathering System

TITLE
DEFAULT IDPIPE=4, IDTUBING=4, IDRISER=4, IDANNULUS=6.065
PRINT INPUT=FULL
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
SET SETNO=1, GRAV(OIL,API)=30, GRAV(GAS,SPGR)=0.6, GRAV(WATER,SPGR)=1.01
SET SETNO=2, GRAV(OIL,API)=33, GRAV(GAS,SPGR)=0.63,GRAV(WATER,SPGR)=1.03
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
SOURCE NAME=1 , PRIORITY=0, SETNO=1, PRES=2500, TEMP=185,*
$
$
SOURCE NAME=3 , PRIORITY=0, SETNO=1, PRES=2530, TEMP=185, *
$
$
$

$
SINK NAME=ONSH, PRES=160, RATE(ESTI)=6000, XCORD=1358, YCORD=186
$
JUNCTION NAME=PLAT, XCORD=532, YCORD=212
$
LINK NAME=L001, FROM=1 , TO=PLAT
IPR NAME=E001, TYPE=PI, IVAL=BASIS, 3, RVAL=PI, 5 / OPEN,1 / UPTIME,1
TUBING NAME=E002, LENGTH=3000, DEPTH=2500, ID=2.441, U=1
PIPE NAME=E004, LENGTH=1500, ECHG=47, U=1
RISER NAME=E005, LENGTH=500, ELEV=470, U=1
$
PIPE NAME=E010, LENGTH=1800, ECHG=-70, U=1
$
IPR NAME=E013, TYPE=PI, IVAL=BASIS, 3, RVAL=PI, 4.5 / OPEN,1 / UPTIME,1
$
$
$
$
LINK NAME=L007, FROM=PLAT, TO=ONSH
PIPE NAME=E037, LENGTH=490, ID=16, U=1
PIPE NAME=E038, LENGTH=2.112e+005, ECHG=300, ID=16, U=1
PIPE NAME=E039, LENGTH=5280, ECHG=190, ID=16, U=1
PIPE NAME=E040, LENGTH=10560, ID=16, U=1
$
END
Two Well Gas Lift Analysis

TITLE
DEFAULT NOMD=4, SCHE= 40, NOMT=4, SCHT=TB01, NOMR=4, SCHR= 40, *
IDANNULUS=6.065, TAMBIENT=65, UPIPE=1, UTUBING=1, URISER=1, UANNULUS=1
PRINT INPUT=FULL
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
SET SETNO=1, GRAV(OIL,API)=30, GRAV(GAS,SPGR)=0.75,*
LIFTGAS GRAV(GAS,SPGR)=0.8
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
RATE(ESTI)=6000, GOR=108, WCUT=0, XCORD=-190, YCORD=-12
$
RATE(ESTI)=6000, GOR=102, WCUT=10.5, XCORD=-120, YCORD=644
$
$
JUNCTION NAME=J003, XCORD=269, YCORD=260
$
LINK NAME=L001, FROM=S001, TO=J003
TUBING NAME=E002, LENGTH=8010, DEPTH=8010, U=1
GLVALVE NAME=E003, RATE=1.5
$
GLVALVE NAME=E008, RATE=1.5
$
LINK NAME=L003, FROM=J003, TO=D004
$
CASE STUDY DATA
DESCRIPTION Case 01 - 2.0 MM ft3/day
RESTORE
PARAMETER GLVALVE=E003, VARIABLE=RATE, VALUE=2
$
CASE STUDY DATA
RESTORE
PARAMETER GLVALVE=E003, VARIABLE=RATE, VALUE=2.5
$
CASE STUDY DATA
RESTORE
$
CASE STUDY DATA
RESTORE
$
CASE STUDY DATA
RESTORE
$
CASE STUDY DATA
RESTORE
$
CASE STUDY DATA
RESTORE
$
END

Part A
TITLE
DIMENSION RATE(W)=LBHR
CALCULATION NETWORK, Steam , PRANDTL
PRINT INPUT=FULL
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
SET SETNO=1, GRAV(WATER,SPGR)=1.001
CORRELATION WPROP=Super
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
SOURCE NAME=S001, PRIORITY=0, SETNO=1, PRES=1500, RATE(ESTI)=1000, *
QUALITY=99, XCORD=25, YCORD=163
$
SINK NAME=D002, PRES=2000, RATE(ESTI)=1000, INJECT, XCORD=641, YCORD=159
$
$
PIPE NAME=E001, LENGTH=1000, NOMD=4, SCHED= 40, AIR, VELOCITY=10, *
THKPIPE=0.125, THKINS=0.1, 0, 0, 0, 0, CONINS=0.01, 0.015, 0.015, *
0.015, 0.015, TAMB=80
TUBING NAME=E002, LENGTH=2000, DEPTH=2000, NOMD=3.5, SCHED=TB01,*
HOLEID=8.5, TIME=100, DIFFUSIVITY=0.96, TGRAD=1, MEDIUM=3, 5, *
IDCASING=5.75, ODTUBING=3.5, ODCASING=6, EMIS=0, 0, EMOS=0, 0, *
CPAN=0.46, 0, CONANN=0.12083, 0.5, CONCAS=25, 25, BETANN=0, 0, *
VISANN=0.22, 0, DENANN(LBFT3)=62.4, 0, VELANN=0, 0, CONEARTH=0.8
IPR NAME=E003, TYPE=PI, IVAL=BASIS, 5, RVAL=PI, 10 / UPTIME,1
$
END
Part B
TITLE
PRINT INPUT=FULL
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
$
$
PIPE NAME=E001, LENGTH=1000, NOMD=4, SCHED= 40, SOIL, BDTOP=36, *
0.015, 0.015, TAMB=80
$
END
Part C
TITLE
PRINT INPUT=FULL
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
QUALITY=99, XCORD=-82, YCORD=163
$
$
0.015, 0.015, TAMB=80
$
END
Part D
TITLE
PRINT INPUT=FULL
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
$
$
0.015, 0.015, TAMB=80
CPAN=0.25, 0, CONANN=0.01875, 0.5, CONCAS=25, 25, BETANN=1.410e-003, 0,*
$
END

Part E
TITLE
PRINT INPUT=FULL
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
QUALITY=99, XCORD=-82, YCORD=163
$
$
0.015, 0.015, TAMB=80
CPAN=0.25, 0, CONANN=0.01875, 0.5, CONCAS=25, 25, BETANN=1.410e-003, 0,*
$
CASE STUDY DATA
DESCRIPTION Case Study 01
PARAMETER SOURCE=S001, VARIABLE=PRES, VALUE=2000
$
CASE STUDY DATA
$
CASE STUDY DATA
$
CASE STUDY DATA
$
END
Forecasting Well Production

TITLE
DEFAULT IDPIPE=4.026, IDTUBING=3, IDRISER=4.026, IDANNULUS=6.065, *
TAMBIENT=50, UPIPE=1, UTUBING=0.74, URISER=1, UANNULUS=1
PRINT INPUT=FULL
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
$
$
TUBING NAME=E002, LENGTH=9400, DEPTH=8000, U=0.74
$
CASE STUDY DATA
DESCRIPTION Case 01
PARAMETER TUBING=ALL, VARIABLE=ID, GLOBAL, OLD=3, VALUE=4
$
CASE STUDY DATA
DESCRIPTION Case 02
RESTORE
PARAMETER IPR=E001, VARIABLE=PI, VALUE=4.8
$
CASE STUDY DATA
DESCRIPTION Case 03
PARAMETER TUBING=ALL, VARIABLE=ID, GLOBAL, OLD=3, VALUE=4
PARAMETER IPR=E001, VARIABLE=PI, VALUE=4.8
$
END
Three-Year Decline Model

TITLE
PRINT INPUT=FULL , DATABASE=FULL
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
SET SETNO=1, GRAV(OIL,API)=35.2, GRAV(GAS,SPGR)=0.704, *
SET SETNO=2, GRAV(OIL,API)=35.4, GRAV(GAS,SPGR)=0.71, *
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
RATE(ESTI)=7000, GOR=450, WCUT=10.1, XCORD=115, YCORD=856
$
RATE(ESTI)=11000, GOR=455, WCUT=11.1, XCORD=621, YCORD=876
$
$
JUNCTION NAME=J003, XCORD=404, YCORD=253
$
IPR NAME=E002, TYPE=PI, GROUP=RC01, IVAL=BASIS, 3, RVAL=PI, 30 / *
PRES1, 2602 / PRES2, 2431 / PRES3, 2296 / PRES4, 2011 / PRES5, 1834 / *
GOR1, 450 / GOR2, 477 / GOR3, 492 / GOR4, 513 / GOR5, 550 / *
WCUT1, 10.1 / WCUT2, 10.3 / WCUT3, 10.8 / WCUT4, 11 / WCUT5, 11.8 / *
ABANDON, 1200 / OPEN,1 / UPTIME,1 / QLCUM, 0, ARRAY=PPRES, 2602, 2431, *
2296, 2011, 1958, 1834 / AQLCUM, 0, 1.000e+007, 2.000e+007, 3.000e+007,*
4.000e+007, 5.000e+007
TUBING NAME=E003, LENGTH=1500, DEPTH=1450, NOMD=2.875, SCHED=TB01, U=1
PIPE NAME=E005, LENGTH=201, ECHG=-5, NOMD=4, SCHED= 40, U=1
$
IPR NAME=E006, TYPE=PI, GROUP=RC01, IVAL=BASIS, 3, RVAL=PI, 25 / *
PRES1, 2602 / PRES2, 2431 / PRES3, 2296 / PRES4, 2011 / PRES5, 1834 / *
GOR1, 455 / GOR2, 481 / GOR3, 506 / GOR4, 530 / GOR5, 562 / *
WCUT1, 11.1 / WCUT2, 11.1 / WCUT3, 11.5 / WCUT4, 11.8 / WCUT5, 12.5 / *
ABANDON, 1200 / OPEN,1 / UPTIME,1
TUBING NAME=E007, LENGTH=1631, DEPTH=1515, NOMD=2.875, SCHED=TB01, U=1
$
LINK NAME=L003, FROM=J003, TO=D004
PIPE NAME=E001, LENGTH=4070, ECHG=207, NOMD=4, SCHED= 40, U=1
$
TIMESTEPPING
CHANGE TIME=365, 730, 1096
$
END

Ridge Pipeline
Part A
Flow over Ridge

TITLE
DEFAULT NOMD=6, SCHE= 40, NOMT=4, SCHT=TB01, IDRISER=4.026, *
IDANNULUS=6.065, TAMBIENT=65, TGRAD=2.08, UPIPE=3, UTUBING=2.2, *
URISER=1, UANNULUS=1
PRINT INPUT=FULL
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
SET SETNO=1, GRAV(OIL,API)=20, GRAV(GAS,SPGR)=0.79,*
CORRELATION VISC(OIL)=Standing, SGOR=Standing, FVF=Standing
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
$
$
TUBING NAME=E002, LENGTH=7500, DEPTH=6500, ROUGH(IN)=3.000e-004, U=2.2
PIPE NAME=E005, LENGTH=1900, ROUGH(IN)=5.000e-004, U=3
PIPE NAME=E006, LENGTH=1050, ECHG=250, ROUGH(IN)=5.000e-004, U=3
PIPE NAME=E007, LENGTH=825, ECHG=-250, ROUGH(IN)=5.000e-004, U=3,
FCODE=MB
PIPE NAME=E008, LENGTH=1075, ROUGH(IN)=5.000e-004, U=3
$
END
Flow Around Ridge

TITLE
PRINT INPUT=FULL
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
$
$
PIPE NAME=E006, LENGTH=2700, ECHG=-50, ROUGH(IN)=5.000e-004, U=3,
FCODE=MB
$
END
Part B
TITLE
PRINT INPUT=FULL
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
ADJUST TRES=200, VISC=0.7, COMP=2.0000e-005, PRES=2110, 1200, 200, *
FVF=1.298, 1.206, 1.079, SGOR=400, 280, 38
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
$
$
$
PIPE NAME=E006, LENGTH=2700, ECHG=-50, ROUGH(IN)=5.000e-004, U=3, *
FCODE=MB
$
END
Part C
TITLE
CALCULATION SINGLE, Blackoil , PRANDTL
$
PRINT INPUT=FULL, DEVICE=FULL
$
NETWORK DATA
$
PVT PROPERTY DATA
$
STRUCTURE DATA
$
WTEST NAME=E004, PI , RESP=2950, TEMP=160, PRES=140, RATE=2500, *
GOR=475, WCUT=0
$
$
PIPE NAME=E006, LENGTH=2700, ECHG=-50, ROUGH(IN)=5.000e-004, U=3, *
FCODE=MB
$
END

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INTRODUCTION TO

Printed in the United States of America, July 2001.

Exploring the PIPEPHASE Desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Defining the Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Setting the Input Units of Measure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Entering Thermodynamic or PVT Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Specifying the Global Defaults. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Building the Flowsheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Entering Source and Sink Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Setting up a Case Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Working with Keyword Input Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Running the Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Viewing the Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Fluid Flow Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Applying PIPEPHASE to Downhole Operations . . . . . . . 87

Executing a Sensitivity (or Nodal) Analysis. . . . . . . . . . . 98

Calculation PIPEPHASE technology includes:

Graphical PIPEPHASE GUI features include:

This comprehensive range of features enables your company to use one

PIPEPHASE PIPEPHASE was originally designed with an easy-to-use keyword ver-

Technical PIPEPHASE is backed by the full resources of Simulation Sciences Inc.

SIMSCI has made great efforts to ensure that PIPEPHASE is compliant

, Note: Remember to save your work often!

Launching To initiate a PIPEPHASE session:

Table 1: File Menu Options

Main The PIPEPHASE main window, shown in Figure 2, is your primary

Table 2: PIPEPHASE Main Window Components

Table 3: PIPEPHASE Menu Bar

6 Exploring the PIPEPHASE Desktop

Table 4: PIPEPHASE Toolbar Buttons

Create a new simulation Define hydrates

Open an existing simulation Select units of measurement

Import a keyword input file Select the components

Select thermodynamic method or

View the output file Enter the global defaults

Print the output file or flowsheet Define network optimization data

Add a source to the flowsheet Zoom in on a selected area

Add a sink to the flowsheet Zoom out

Display the entire flowsheet in the

Add a calculator to the flowsheet Refresh the flowsheet drawing

Table 5: Data Entry Window Buttons

OK All data are saved and the dialog box is closed.

Table 6: Color Significance During Data Entry

Table 8: View Menu Options

8 Exploring the PIPEPHASE Desktop

Applications The broad applications of PIPEPHASE can be categorized into three

Capacity calculations form the core of any preliminary process design.

PIPEPHASE also accurately predicts retrograde condensation, or con-

10 Defining the Simulation

Steam Injection Networks

PIPEPHASE performs rigorous heat transfer calculations to fully

Figure 6: & ð`cYQðCdUQ]

Wellbore PIPEPHASE provides a comprehensive set of features for the detailed

The most common application of PIPEPHASE to wellbore problems is a

12 Defining the Simulation

Figure 9 is analogous to the previous example with a different variable.

Figure 10: DeRY^WðGU\\XUQTð@bUccebUð-ð!&%ð`cYW

PIPEPHASE offers you great flexibility in cases of gaslift analysis. You

14 Defining the Simulation

The most common calculation in gas lift problems is the calculation of

PIPEPHASE also performs rigorous wellbore heat transfer calculations.

Furthermore, PIPEPHASE is equipped with a new time-dependent pro-

Regarding contracts, PIPEPHASE allows you to model the behavior of a