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Pipeline Modelling
Abstract
Operation of the Huldra field commenced on November 2001. It is a gas condensate
field, which has been developed with a not normally manned wellhead platform remotely
controlled from the existing, manned Veslefrikk B platform. A first stage separation
process is installed at the platform to separate gas and liquid.
Two pipelines emanate from the Huldra field – a 93.2-mile [150 Km] 20” inner diameter
pipeline transporting wet gas from Huldra to the Heimdal platform and an 8” inner
diameter 9.9-mile [16 Km] pipeline transporting unstabilised condensate, including water,
to the Veslefrikk platform.
Due to the hydrocarbon mixture, the flow through these pipelines exhibits multiphase
behaviour and therefore requires a multiphase real-time simulation model for surveillance
and optimised control.
Statoil was responsible for development of the Huldra field and is the field operator. The
transient multiphase code OLGA has been an important tool in all phases of the project
from the decision to develop the field and into the production phase. The design of the
Huldra wet gas pipeline was a significant improvement in multiphase flow transport
technology due to the long large diameter pipeline which should be tied-in to the existing
Heimdal platform with restricted liquid processing capacity. For the condensate line
efficient and good environmental hydrate and wax control methods are selected.
This paper describes the requirements of the simulation engine and the pipeline
modelling system. This leads to a clear split between the functionality that is necessarily
encapsulated in the simulation engine and the functionality that can be incorporated
within the wider On-Line System environment developed by Energy Solution International
for gas pipeline modelling. The aim is to provide a common level of functionality
throughout the system. Functions for multiphase flow pipelines, such as: model tuning,
leak detection, liquid accumulation, and composition tracking need to be considered as
well. A brief description of the approach to these issues is given. The strategy for
operating the pipeline and its impact on extending the functionality of the existing OLS
system is presented.
This paper gives a brief description of the initial operational experiences with the real-
time model.
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1 Introduction
In November 2001, the Huldra field commenced production. Design and start-up of the
transport system for wet gas and condensate from Huldra is an extension of current
experience. Statoil, as the operator of the Huldra field, awarded Gassco contracts for
operational support for the condensate and wet gas pipelines. Valuable experience
related to operational aspects and real-time modelling of large-scale multiphase flow
systems has been gained after start-up of production.
Huldra is a gas/condensate field located in the North Sea at a water depth of 410 ft [125
meters]. After a first stage separation the rich gas containing water and MEG is routed
93.2 miles [150 km] to the Heimdal platform for further processing. Unstabilised
condensate is routed 9.9 miles [16 km] to the Veslefrikk platform for further processing. A
Direct Electrical Heating (DEH) system is employed in the condensate pipeline to avoid
hydrate formation during shut-ins. Figure 1-1 displays an illustration of the infrastructure.
The Huldra field originally had an estimated in place gas reserve of 685 GSft3 [19.4
GSm3] and a condensate reserve of 46.5 MBBLS [7.4 MSm3]. Measured reservoir
conditions are 9,795 psi and 277 degrees Fahrenheit [675.5 barg/136 degrees Celsius].
The field is developed as a not normally manned wellhead platform. As from July 2002,
Huldra has become remotely controlled from Veslefrikk. The well streams are routed to a
production separator. Gas from the production separator is cooled and liquids are
removed in a scrubber. The gas saturated with water is fiscally metered, inhibited with
MEG and routed to Heimdal for further treatment. Liquid production, i.e. condensate and
produced water, from the production separator and the scrubber are mixed and
transported to Veslefrikk, for further treatment.
At Heimdal the flow from Huldra is received by a three-phase free water knock out
vessel. Capacity of this vessel is limited to handle 1413 ft3/h [40 m3/h] condensate and
35.3 ft3/h [1 m3/h] water. Liquid storage capacity of the vessel is 247 ft3 [7 m3]. Further on,
gas from Huldra, the Vale field and the Heimdal reservoir are processed together to
comply with the sales gas specification.
The Veslefrikk platform receives and separates the condensate and gas arriving from
Huldra. The condensate pipeline is equipped with direct electric heating to avoid hydrate
and wax formation at low production rates or during shutdowns.
Gassco AS was established the 14th May 2001 under the provisions of a Norwegian
White Paper. Operational responsibility in the new, regulated gas transport regime
commenced on January the 1st 2002. Gassco is assigned all the operators’
responsibilities warranted in the Norwegian Petroleum Law and related Regulations.
Gassco is the operator of about 3,853 mile [6200 km] of large diameter, high-pressure
gas pipelines, gas processing facilities and terminals. Up to 7,770 MSft³/d [220 MSm3]
gas is delivered to the gas buyers daily. Further, on behalf of Statoil, Gassco have
contracts for operational support for 416 mile [670 km] of oil/condensate and multiphase
flow pipelines, including the pipelines from Huldra. The pipelines operated by Gassco
connect 60 installations including 4 locations where the gas flows can be blended to
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ensure correct gas qualities. About 6000 telemetry signals are transmitted to the Gassco
control centre twice a minute.
2 Design Requirements
Functional requirements for the real-time multiphase model were established to provide
for safe and stable operational conditions. The following parameters were embraced by
the functional assessment of the multiphase flow pipelines to Heimdal and Veslefrikk:
• Liquid transport in the pipeline and into the Heimdal process during
production turn-down, production start-up and production increase
• Instrument accuracy
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Condensate pipeline
• Instrument accuracy
A phase diagram for the wet gas transported to Heimdal was established to determine
the liquid fraction at various pressures and temperatures, as shown in Figure 2-1.The gas
that leaves Huldra is saturated and located at the dew point of the phase envelope, and
the condensate transported to Veslefrikk leaves Huldra in the liquid phase. In the
pipelines the flowing conditions give two HC phases as the pressure and temperature
decrease along the lines.
Phase Diagram for Rich Gas in the Huldra Phase Diagram for the Gas in the Huldra
Well Process Stream
10000 2500
8000 2000
1500
Pressure [psi]
6000
Pressure [psi]
4000 1000
2000 500
0 0
-150 -100 -50 0 50 100 150 200
-400 -200 0 200 400 600 800
Temperature [oF]
o
Temperature [ F]
Vap/liq frac = 0.999 Vap/liq frac = 0.998 Vap/liq frac = 1.000 Vap/liq frac = 0.999
Vap/liq frac = 0.995 Vap/liq frac = 0.990 Vap/liq frac = 0.998 Vap/liq frac = 0.995
Vap/liq frac = 0.980 Vap/liq frac = 0.990 Vap/liq frac = 0.980
Figure 2-1 Predicted Phase Diagrams of the Well Fluid and Wet Gas
The main challenge for operation of the transport lines from Huldra is to keep control of
the liquid accumulation in the wet gas pipeline, and to control the liquid transport into the
Heimdal process when gas production rates are changed. Figure 2-2 shows the liquid
content in the transport line when stable conditions have been reached as predicted by
the simulator (not tuned based on operational experiences). It was seen that for flow
rates below about 6 MSm3/d the liquid accumulated in the pipeline would be difficult to
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handle by Heimdal for production increases. A real-time simulator is therefore crucial to
optimise the operation of this line to ensure high regularity for the Huldra production.
10000 50
Liquid content
9000 45
Condensate rate
8000 40
Liquid content in pipe [m ]
7000 35
3
5000 25
4000 20
3000 15
2000 10
1000 5
0 0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
3
Gas flow rate [MSm /d]
Figure 2-2 Predicted Liquid Content and Condensate Accumulation Rate in the
Huldra-Heimdal Pipeline for Various Gas Flow Rates
The gas, oil and condensate pipelines are modeled in real-time using the single-phase
transient simulation engine TGNET embedded in the Energy Solutions On-Line system
environment (OLS). For real-time modeling the multiphase lines it was required to use a
multiphase transient simulation engine. The transient multiphase simulation engine
selected was OLGA.
The OLGA simulator facilitates transient multiphase simulation features. The governing
equations describe mass balances for each of the phases, momentum balances and
energy balances. Interactions between the phases are computed based on semi-
empirical models. Physical properties of the fluids are pre-tabulated using the PVT-
package PVTSIM. OLGA also features a flow regime estimation function that
automatically computes the transition between various flow regimes, depending on the
pipeline conditions. Flow regimes accommodated by OLGA are the following: stratified
flows, annular flow, slug flow and bubble flow.
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Figure 2-3 TCS Computer Network Overview
The TCC Operators are very familiar with the look and feel of the OLS environment.
Hence it was decided that the real time multiphase on-line system for Huldra should be
integrated into the existing OLS. However, it is obvious that the OLS, which was
developed for single-phase modelling systems, would need to be extended to encompass
the additional functionality of the multiphase simulator. The benefits of this approach are:
• Known Functionality
• Facilitate maintenance
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data from both single and multiphase models without the need to specifically identify the
model type.
• Using an independent modelling system receiving its own data from SCADA
and its own independent suite of displays.
The first was discounted, as it did not meet the conditions for providing an integrated
environment for the operators.
The second would use the existing SCADA interface and instrument data processing
tools, but would provide a separate suite of displays and display management for the
multiphase pipelines. Further, the existing modelling system displays provide access to
all aspects of the model from the initial instrument data processing to the simulation
results. Thus, two sets of display management would be involved for accessing the
model data. To the operators, this would not appear as an integrated system.
The third approach allows the system to be run as an integrated unit, provided that the
multiphase simulation engine can be run alongside the single-phase engine. It also
requires that similar data structures be adopted for both engines. This further enables
similar displays and display management to be adopted for both simulation engines.
However, there remains the problem of displaying single and multiphase data in identical
layouts so that switching between the models in the system remains transparent to the
user. This problem was resolved by adopting a “preferred” phase for each of the
multiphase models as follows:
• Separate displays would be provided for each of the gas, hydrocarbon liquid
and water phases.
By adopting this design basis, the following advantages and disadvantages could be
seen. Advantages were:
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• Common displays, although new displays were required for the individual
phase and total flow data.
Disadvantages were:
• All models, regardless of simulation engine type, required the same data
structures.
• New data structures were required for handling individual phase information.
• Batch, where the user executes a simulation of his model for a given set of
parameters. The parameters are provided as part of the input data. This is
typical of offline processing.
For the first mode, the user need only provide a single input file, while the results are
available in a series of output reports or graphical presentations.
For the second mode, OLGA is provided as a server process. Communication between
the client and the server is provided through a standard TCP/IP protocol. Control, input
and output data are passed to the simulator via a sequence of messages using a simple
request/reply paradigm. The content of the messages may range from a single command
to a complete picture of the current state of the simulation and this allows the OLGA
simulator to be integrated into an existing on-line system.
• Initialisation
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• Return of simulation results as single values, profiles, or trends.
Thus, to set up a real-time simulation using the OLGA server, it is necessary to provide a
client program that communicates with the server process using the TCP/IP protocol and
the correct sequence of messages to achieve the desired result. Such a process has
been designed and built to integrate the OLGA simulation engine into the existing On-
Line System (OLS).
A further advantage of the use of a client-server approach to the simulation engine is that
it allows independent updating of the server software, providing that no changes are
made to the messaging structures.
With the requirement to provide an integrated simulation engine, the opportunity was
taken to revise the management of the simulation processes within OLS. In previous OLS
systems, it was a requirement that a real-time model process be available before, during
and after execution of the real-time simulation itself. There was a similar requirement for
the look-ahead simulation. This normally required the system administrator to ensure that
such processes were started before the model configurations or simulation tasks were
started. It was a requirement that equal numbers of real-time and look-ahead processes
were started at the same time. If additional processes were required, then they had to be
started manually. Where a large number of simulation processes were required the
management of such a system required a considerable amount of care.
With the requirement to be able to execute different simulation engines within the OLS
structure, it becomes necessary for the correct process be available for each
configuration. Such a requirement could be accomplished manually, but would require
intense system management. Alternatively, provided that the simulation engine
requirements could be identified a priori, it would a relatively simple matter to start the
required engine for the task demanded. Thus, original OLS type configurations would
request the original simulation engine; OLGA type configurations, an OLGA engine.
Having established the correct simulation engine for the model, the correct processes
must be started and monitored. For an OLGA type simulation, both the client and OLGA
server processes must be started and communication established between the pair.
These two processes must then act as a co-operating pair. The pair must be present and
correctly initialised before a model can be loaded and run.
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• Start the necessary process. For OLGA simulations, both the client and
server processes must be started.
• Initialise the process. For the OLGA client-server pair, this includes
establishment of communications.
In the event of the simulation being stopped or a failure occurring and resulting in the
shutdown of a simulation process, the system flag is unset to indicate loss of the process.
For the OLGA client-server pair, the failure of either must result in the shutdown of both.
An overview of the integrated system including the process control watchdog is given in
Figure 4-1, Integrated System Overview.
Process
Management
Instrument
Data for RTM1
RTM1
Instrument
RTM2 OLGA Server for
Data for
(client) RTM2
RTM2
Instrument
SCADA Instrument Data
SCADA Interface Data for RTM3
Data Validation
RTM3
Instrument
Data for RTMn
RTMn
Display
Management
Page 10 of 30
developed over many years using a single (single phase) simulation engine. The
configuration data and the data structures for storing state and other variables within OLS
are centred on the (single phase) simulation engine. For the integration of the OLGA
engine, both of these areas needed to be addressed.
− Process Equipment
Both OLGA and OLS use a similar approach to entering configuration data into the
system i.e. they both use an ASCII input file that has a “keyword” type structure. Indeed,
the keyword structure in OLGA is similar, though not identical, to that employed by OLS.
The OLS configuration input file provides much more information than just the
configuration data. Many on-line parameters and application options are defined within
configuration input file. In particular, the connectivity and location of the instrumentation
necessary to drive the Real-Time Model are defined. For this reason it was required to
merge the configuration data from the OLGA input file into the OLS configuration file prior
to processing the OLS configuration file. However, the integrity of the OLGA input file
must be maintained in the above process as both sides of the client/server interface use
this file to define the pipeline geometry. This “file merging” approach is also
advantageous in terms of system maintenance as it means that changes to the
configuration need be applied to one file only.
3. OLGA data are generally cell-centred with flux based data defined at the cell
boundaries. OLS data are always defined at computational cell boundaries and
therefore some ‘redistribution’ of OLGA data is required to map OLGA data into
OLS data structures.
4. OLGA uses a slightly different set of primary variables to OLS. However, the
primary variables used in OLS may be derived directly from OLGA’s primary
variables.
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5. Many OLS data structures are derived from knot-based structures dynamically
during the course of simulation. For OLGA data returned to OLS these
derivations are required to be performed explicitly to populate the non knot-based
OLS data structures.
Figure 4-2 provides an overview of the data processing that is required to transfer an
OLGA data set into an OLS data set.
OLGA
Variable
Unit
Conversion
Generate Mapping
from Profile Line to
Knot Array
Redistribution of
Discretized Data
Calculate and
Populate Ancilliary
Knot Based Data
Structures
Populate Ancilliary
Non-Knot Based
Data Structures
OLS
Variable
The OLGA (transient) simulation is driven by pressure and mass flow instrument data. As
OLS already uses these variables as input to the (single phase) simulator the only
requirement is to convert the data from OLS internal units to OLGA internal units prior to
data being sent to the OLGA server. As well as boundary flow and pressure variables,
the transient control variables for valve opening/closing and wall heating are passed to
the OLGA engine
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5 Tuning and Leak Detection
It was a requirement for the Huldra multiphase pipelines to be provided with leak
detection and tuning in a similar form to that already used by the single phase lines
already modelled using OLS. This required that some form of deviations analysis be
developed for these new pipelines for use with the OLGA simulation engine. Leak
detection by model compensated volume balance is also provided.
Leak detection relies on being able to detect differences between field measurements
and a model simulation data that can only be explained as an un-metered loss of fluid
from the line. The differences can be in both pressures and flows. Natural differences
exist between field measurements and model-calculated values and these differences
arise from several sources.
It is the task of tuning to reduce the errors between field measurements and simulated
results to a minimum. It is the task of leak detection to interpret unexplained errors in a
meaningful way.
Since both leak detection and tuning considers the same differences between field
measurements and simulation results, it is useful to consider both together.
• Solution errors resulting from erroneous input data, e.g., field measurements.
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• Complexity of multiphase behaviour reduces accuracy of the model –
especially in the phase split calculations.
• Line pack calculations require knowledge of the phase splits, line pressures
and temperature to accurately predict liquid hold-up, etc. That is, the
calculations rely on the multiphase correlations and the thermodynamic
modelling.
The pipeline models provide complete real time profiles of pressure, flow, temperature
and density along the pipeline accounting for variations due to the operation. Thus
changes in operation cause "expected" variations in flow and pressure ideally with no
deviations between calculated and measured values. Leaks, however, cause an
"unexpected" variation and a well-defined pattern of deviations between calculated and
measured values develops. These patterns can be detected and assessed to determine if
a leak is present.
Unexpected variations in pressure and flow can be calculated depending on the controls
applied to the model. Where the pressure is applied as the control measurement, an
unexpected variation in flow (UF) can be expected. Similarly, where the flow is
controlling, an unexpected variation in pressure (UP) will be seen.
• All data used in the calculation of the discrepancies (UP and UF responses)
are bad or invalid
Page 14 of 30
• The model has been initialized but not yet attained a suitably tuned state –
the cold start period.
• Changes have been made in the configuration of the leak subsections – the
warm start period.
Under any one of these conditions leak detection will become unavailable (inhibited). If
only some of the leak subsections are affected, then only those leak subsections will
have leak detection inhibited. Once the condition has cleared, leak detection will be re-
enabled. If the condition causing inhibition was bad data, the condition must have cleared
for longer than the warm start period.
Leak detection is also inhibited if slugging is detected from the OLGA model. Inhibition
may be avoided if the leak detection thresholds can be raised to a sufficiently high level.
Once slugging has passed, the thresholds would be returned to normal using the
threshold filter factor.
In the presence of a leak the pressure profiles of the above simulations will cross at a
point – this point is a good estimate of the location of a leak (see Figure 5-1).
A similar argument can be used to determine leak location if the underlying pipeline
model is upstream pressure controlled.
Page 15 of 30
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
PipeLine Pressure Profile
60
QP Model
50 PQ Model
40
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
1. The flow is predominantly gas/mist flow in the wet gas line and
stratified/bubble flow in the condensate line
2. Liquid content can be ignored for the hydraulics but can be used as a
modifier for the pipe diameter.
The biggest impact on accuracy using the above methodology will be the presence of
transients in the pipeline as these will not only effect the ‘steady state’ assumption but will
affect the ‘modified diameter’ distribution.
A simplistic model for the pressure profile is used for determination of the leak location. In
this simple model the momentum balance may be written (using the usual notation) as
Px =
1
(k 2
ρ x − k 2 rρ − ρ 3 s ) (1)
ρ2
m f
where k= is the mass flux, ghx = s is the pipe gradient, and r = is the friction
A 2D0
term.
Assuming that the process is isothermal then we can derive a solution for the pressure
distribution along the pipeline. Equation (1) can then be integrated exactly to provide the
distance (x) along the pipe as a function of pressure, P. Assuming that this function is
invertible then we have implicitly a function for P in x.
Alternatively, if the phase densities and thermodynamic quality are available for each
pipe segment, the homogeneous density can be calculated, and (1) integrated
numerically along the pipe to provide the information above.
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5.3 Imbalances
Imbalances arise from the hydraulic simulation as the differences between measured and
calculated values. The location of the imbalances depends on the choice of boundary
conditions. For a simple point-to-point pipeline model whose pressure is set at the
egress, flow at the inlet, and pressure and flow measurements are available at both inlet
and outlet, the following imbalances are present:
Only when a model has been operating for longer than the characteristic time period of
the pipeline will the imbalances be truly representative of the actual errors in the pipeline
instrumentation. It is the task of tuning to reduce these imbalances to a minimum while
trying to recognise potential errors in the instrument values.
By making the assumptions and using the equations for the pressure drop described
above, it possible to predict inlet pressures and outlet flows (They are also available from
the OLGA solution.). Hence expressions can be derived for the pressure and flow
imbalances at the pipeline inlet and outlet respectively. It is now required that a pipe
roughness be found that minimises the pressure and flow imbalances. The actual
roughness to be used is obtained by combining the previous roughness with the new
value and applying a change limit and a suitable filter factor.
5.4 Tuning
In multiphase flow, there are a number of other factors that are not known exactly and
may be adjusted to ensure matching of measured and calculated pressure drop. The
OLGA Server provides access to the following variables for tuning purposes:
• Pipe diameter
• Entrainment rate
• Ambient temperature
Of these, only the Pipe Diameter, Pipe Wall Roughness and Ambient Temperature have
been considered for estimation and automatic adjustment. The other factors may be
tuned manually.
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5.4.1 Roughness
The purpose of roughness tuning is to try to improve the modelled pressure drop against
the measured pressure drop by adjusting the pipe wall roughness.
From Moody friction factor charts, it is clear that, for typical pipeline conditions,
roughness only becomes a significant factor in the friction factor at Reynolds Numbers
5
above ~10 . For liquid pipelines this implies that the friction factor is not greatly influenced
by the roughness. Such conditions will apply to the condensate line even if small volumes
of gas are present. For the wet gas line, pressure drop will be dependent on the amount
of liquid in the pipeline and how it is distributed. Since liquid dropout occurs at low flows,
it is likely that roughness will not be a major factor in determining the pressure drop under
these conditions. As the flow increases and the amount of liquid decreases, roughness
will become a more influential factor.
If we assume that our modelled and measured pressure drops are close and that the
average pressure in the model is in some sense close to the average pressure in the
actual line then we can use (1) to determine the change required in the variable r (related
to the roughness) to correct the difference in the modelled and measured pressure drop.
∆P ∆P
If Px = is the modelled pressure drop and Px = is the observed pressure drop,
L L
then
Px =
1
(k 2
ρ x − k 2 rρ − ρ 3 s ) and Px =
1
(k 2
ρ x − k 2 (r + δr )ρ − ρ 3 s )
ρ 2
ρ2
where r+δr is the friction factor term above required to match the measured pressure
drop.
ρ
δr= (P
x − Px ) (2)
k2
From equation (2), we can calculate the change in the friction factor required and hence,
from Colebrook-White, the required change in the roughness. The maximum change in
roughness is bounded and the actual value applied filtered.
At low flows, i.e., low Reynolds Numbers, roughness tuning may become insensitive to
changes in pressure and flow. Under such conditions it may be preferable to switch to
another tuning parameter, such as pipe diameter, or undertake tuning manually. A flow
limit is available, below which automatic tuning is discontinued and any parameter
changes can only be made manually.
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For each subsection the temperature imbalance is determined. This may then be used to
calculate the incremental ambient temperature. The applied increment is subjected to
filtering, maximum change, and temperature limits
6 Applications
6.1 Overview
For any on-line modelling system, it is important that simulation results can be analysed
and presented in a variety of ways. For OLS this is achieved through the various
applications modules, which are executed as part of the simulation. These take the basic
simulation results of pressure, flow and temperature and perform further calculations or
checks on the results. Typical applications are:
Since these applications are general, it is not unreasonable to assume that they can be
used with almost any pipeline simulation engine. They simply require the necessary
simulation results. However, additional facilities were required in individual applications to
account for multiple phases in place of a single-phase gas or liquid.
OLGA also performs a number of detailed calculations in addition to the basic multiphase
hydraulic simulation. Typical of these calculations are:
OLGA contains an optional slug-tracking module. If this has been activated and slug flow
is present, the OLGA slug-tracking module calculates the numbers, lengths and positions
of the slugs. Of particular concern are the approach of slugs to the risers and the
possibility of slug flow therein. An extension of the alarming application considers the
Page 19 of 30
approach of slugs to the riser base or the presence of slugs in the riser itself. Using the
slug front velocity the time to reach the riser base can be estimated.
The OLS hydrate prevention application calculates the electrical power requirements
based on fluid temperature and hydrate formation temperature. The calculations are
performed in the Real-Time Model using current temperature profiles and hydrate
formation temperatures.
Following a shut-in, the velocities in the pipeline will rapidly decay to zero. Under such
conditions, it can be assumed that cooling of the pipe and contents will be mostly by
conduction. If it is also assumed that the heat flow from segment to segment due to the
longitudinal profile is small, each segment can be considered of uniform temperature. If
the fluid is considered to be a single homogenous phase, then, prior to hydrate formation,
the temperature in the shut-in pipe will cool exponentially. The initial segment
temperatures reflect the flowing conditions immediately prior to shut-in. Such a model,
using the flow heat transfer model for the transfer of heat from the fluid to the pipe wall,
provides reasonable estimates of the cool-down and heating periods under all flowing
conditions also. Thus, temperature approaches and estimates of when to turn electrical
heating on/off and the power requirements can be determined.
Although primarily concerned with the initiation of electrical heating, the model also
predicts when electrical heating can be discontinued following the resumption of flow in
the pipeline.
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Warnings or alarms are issued to alert the operator to the time when hydrate inhibitor
injection and/or electrical heating is required. Warnings or alarms on the time remaining
to the start of operation of these features are given also.
One of the aspects that were followed closely is the liquid content and distribution in the
Huldra-Heimdal pipeline. A view of these features together with the process diagram and
the corresponding measured and modelled instrument values can be seen in Figure 7-1.
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The transport conditions for the period March to May 2002 can be viewed in figures 7.2
and 7.3. Figure 7.3 displays the monitored pressure drop and the corresponding gas flow
rate in the wet gas pipeline to Heimdal, and Figure 7.3 displays the monitored pressure
drop and the corresponding liquid flow rate in the condensate pipeline to Veslefrikk.
30 35
30
25
Delta Pressure [barg]
3
20
20
15
15
10
10
5
5
0 0
1-mar 11-mar 21-mar 31-mar 10-apr 20-apr 30-apr 10-mai 20-mai 30-mai
2002
Figure 7-2 Monitored Pressure Drop and Flow Rate in the Huldra-Heimdal Pipeline
30 350
10 250
0 200
-10 150
-20 100
-30 50
-40 0
01.03 11.03 21.03 31.03 10.04 20.04 30.04 10.05 20.05 30.05
2002
Figure 7-3 Monitored Pressure Drop and Flow Rate in the Huldra-Veslefrikk
Pipeline
For the wet gas pipeline the measured and modeled pressure drops during stable
production periods are within 10% as seen from figure 7-4.
With regard to prediction of liquid accumulation in the wet gas line improved metering
accuracy at Heimdal is required to verify the predictions.
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The pressure and temperature drop estimates in the condensate have fairly large
inaccuracy. The flow measurement accuracy must be verified before tuning of the
model can be performed.
P re s s u re D ro p H u ld ra -H e im d a l - D e s ig n v s . M e a s u re m e n ts
30
25
Pressure drop [bar]
20
15
10
0
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
3
F lo w r a t e [ M S m / d ]
Figure 7-4 Comparison of simulated and measured pressure drop across the wet
gas pipeline.
Scandpower has extensively verified OLGA against field data. Moreover, Statoil has
verified the predictions using in-house field data. The pressure drop predictions will for
most field data be within ±10-20%. For liquid accumulation predictions for large
diameter pipelines the predictions are within +-20-30% for frictional dominated flow. For
gravity dominated flow the uncertainty in the predictions is large; +- 40-50%.
8 Conclusions
The development of the Huldra pipeline system has been an interesting and technically
challenging experience.
The pressure drop predicted by OLGA for the wet gas line is within 10% of measured
values without parameter tuning. For verification of the liquid predictions for the wet gas
line and pressure and temperature drop predictions for the condensate line the flow
meter accuracy must be verified/improved.
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• The client-server model is ideal for the inclusion of multiple pipeline
simulation engines within a single on-line environment.
• Applications specific to multiphase flow have been developed.
9 Acknowledgements
The authors appreciate the permission to publish this paper given by the Huldra license with the
partners Statoil, TotalFinaElf, Conoco, Svenska Petroleum, Petoro and Paladin Resources.
Page 24 of 30
Authors Biographies
Dr. Svein Birger Thaule
Svein Birger started his professional career with Norsk Hydro Oil and Gas in 1981 where he worked with
offshore field development projects. In 1985 he joined Statoil where he had various positions in development
projects, operations and research. From 2002 he has been Executive Officer Technology in Gassco AS.
Education
MSc Fluid Mechanics, University in Trondheim (NTH), Norway
Publications
Thaule, S.B. and Herløe, E., “Etzel Gas-Lager, Storage facilities and preparation for operations”, Gas
th
Processors Association, European Chapter 10 Continental Meeting, Paris June 1993.
Thaule, S.B., “Etzel Gas Storage, Operational and Predictive Model for Gas Withdrawal”, International Gas
Union, 19th World Gas Conference, Milan 20/23 June 1994.
Thaule, S.B. and Gentzsch, L., “Experience with Thermophysical Modelling of Gas Cavern Operations in Etzel”,
SMRI-Fall Meeting 1994, Hannover, Germany.
Thaule, S.B., ”Computational Analysis of Thermophysical and Flow Characteristics in Cylindrical Gas Cavern”,
Dr. Ing. thesis December 1994 (NTH 1995-15), Trondheim, Norway.
Thaule, S.B., “Computational Analysis of Thermophysical and Flow Characteristics in a Cylindrical Gas
Cavern”, ASME/JSME joint thermal conference, Hawaii March 1995.
Thaule, S.B. and Fosse, A.P., “Experience with large withdrawal rates from Etzel gas storage”, SMRI-Fall
Meeting 1995, San Antonio, TX, U.S.A.
Thaule, S.B. and Lokna, T., “Commercial implications of European pipeline developments”, Transport & Trading
in UK & European Gas, London September 1996.
Thaule, S.B. and Postvoll, W., “Experience with computational analyses of the Norwegian Gas Transport
Network.”, PSIG Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.
Thaule, S.B. and Postvoll, W., “Experience with computational analyses of the Norwegian Gas Transport
Network”, International Gas Union, 20th World Gas Conference, Copenhagen 9/13 June 1997. Also published
in Oil&Gas Journal, March 23. 1998.
Thaule S.B. “Computational analysis of thermophysical and flow characteristics in gas caverns”, SMRI-Fall
Meeting 1997, El Paso TX, U.S.A.
Andresen, M. and Thaule, S.B., “Vectors Demonstrates How Simulations Save Cost of Gas Storage
Operations”, SMRI-Fall Meeting 1998, Rome, Italy.
Page 25 of 30
Willy Postvoll
Willy started his professional career with Statoil in 1983 where he worked as a Reservoir Engineer in the Oil
and Gas Field Development division. After spending some time as a Senior Engineer providing technical
support for reservoir simulation he joined the Transport Division specializing in Real-Time Systems, Transport
Control and Supervision. From 2002 he has been the Real Time Systems Specialist in Gassco AS.
Education:
1983: B.Sc. Petroleum Engineering, University of Rogaland (RDH), Norway
Publications:
PSIG San Francisco 1997: Experience with Computational Analysis of the Norwegian Gas Transport Network
IGU WGC Nice 1998: Operational experience with gas transport in Zeepipe
Oil & Gas Journal, March. 1998: Flexibility need prompts installation of Zeepipe modeling system.
BHR Multiphase Technology Cannes 1999: Pig Velocity Control - Method, Simulations and Field Measurements
Page 26 of 30
Dr. Gunnar Flaten
Gunnar joined Elkem in 1989. In 1991 he started to work with multiphase pipeline transport at Institutt for
energiteknikk (IFE). His professional career with Statoil started in 1998 where he worked as Specialist in
multiphase flow technology. In 2002 he started his work as Flow Assurance Responsible in the Kristin project.
Education:
1985: M.Sc. Fluid mechanics, University of Oslo, Norway
Publications:
M.Sc. thesis 1995: Wave diffraction from two-dimentional bottom elevations.
Dr.Sc. thesis 1991: Wave dissipation and diffraction of surface waves due to permeable obstacles.
Costal Engineering 1991: Dispersive shallow water waves over a porous sea bed.
Multiphase 97 in Cannes: Evaluation of the dynamic behaviour for the Petroboost system.
Multiphase’01 in Cannes: Experiences and improvement work for the bundle from the Gullfaks South field.
Page 27 of 30
Dr. Olav Urdahl
Olav joined Statoil in 1993 and worked 5 years in the R&D division on topics related to multiphase flow, gas hydrates, fluid
characterization and liquid-liquid separation. After that he has spent 4 years in Operations with both Gullfaks and
Huldra/Veslefrikk
His current position is Lead Process Engineer, Huldra Veslefrikk Operations
Education
Cand. Scient, Physical Chemistry, University of Bergen, Norway, 1990
Dr. Scient., Surface and Colloid Chemistry, University of Bergen, Norway, 1993.
Publications
Iun the period 1990 to 2001 Olav has published 37 papers on topics related to multiphase flow, gas hydrates, fluid
characterization and liquid-liquid separation.
O. Urdahl, K.H. Nordstad, P. Berry, N.J. Wayth, T. Williams, A.G. Bailey and M.T.Thew, "SPE 69169; Development of a
new Electrostatic Coalescer Concept", SPE Production Facilities, February, p. 4-8, (2001)
E.E. Johnsen, H. Førdedal and O. Urdahl, "An improved approach for measuring viscosity of water-in-crude oil emulsions
under flowing conditions", Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology, 22(1), p. 33-39, (2001).
Page 28 of 30
Dr. Richard P Spiers
Dick joined ESI (formerly LICEnergy, formerly SSI) in April 1984 as a Consultant after leaving BP Engineering
where he provided simulation support within the Central Engineering Department. During his time with ESI he
has worked on development, integration, implementation and support of many Real-Time Pipeline Modelling
Systems. In particular, he was responsible for the development and implementation of Gassco’s (formerly
Statoil) current Pipeline Modelling System, and to which he has provided support since acceptance.
Education:
BSc(Eng) Chemical Engineering, University College London, 1969
Publications:
1974 "Free Coating of a Newtonian Liquid on to a Vertical Surface"
R.P.Spiers, C.V.Subbaraman and W.L Wilkinson
Chemical Engineering Science, Vol.29, pp 389-396, 1974
Page 29 of 30
Dr. Jonathan J Barley
Jon joined ESI (formerly LICEnergy, formerly SSI) in November 1992 as a Consultant after leaving BP
Research where he worked as an Applied Mathematician in the High Speed Computing group. During his time
with ESI he has worked on development, integration, implementation and support of many Real-Time Pipeline
Modelling Systems.
He is currently the Pipeline Studio Product Manager and a Senior Technical Consultant within ESI's UK
Operations group.
Education
BSc (Hons) Mathematics II(i) University of York, 1985
Publications:
1989 "'Genuinely 2-D Schemes for the Non-Linear Equation of Gas Dynamics'"
J.J.Barley
Ph.D. Thesis
University of Reading
1996 "The Role of Pipeline Monitoring Software in the Allocation and Nomination of North Sea Gas”
J. J. Barley, H.W. Robinson, A. Spence
th
PSIG9609 in proceedings of the 29 Pipeline Simulation Interest Group, 1996
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