PIPESIM

The next generation in multiphase flow simulation

APPLICATIONS

Production optimization over

the complete lifecycle

BENEFITS

Fast well-model construction with

interactive graphical wellbore schematic
Fast network-model construction
with well templates
Productivity gains via greatly enhanced
usability and a modern interface

FEATURES

Simplified work environmenteasily

switch between well- and networkcentric layouts
PIPESIM*-to-OLGA* Converter tool,
for streamlined steady-state/dynamic
modeling
Continuous model validation
GIS canvas to build networks and
quickly capture pipeline elevational
profiles
Consolidated results viewer, including
results from multiple simulation runs
Customizable workspace layout,
including input and task panes for easier
navigation, and a message center for
better feedback on simulation progress

Modern production systems require designs that ensure safe and cost-effective transportation
of fluids from the reservoir to the processing facilities. Once these systems are brought onto
production, the ability to ensure optimal production is critical in maximizing economic potential.
From complex individual wells to vast production networks, the PIPESIM steady-state multiphase
flow simulator enables production optimization over the complete lifecycle.

Step-change in usability

Since 1984, the PIPESIM simulator has been continuously improved, incorporating the latest
science to provide the most accurate modeling possible. PIPESIM 2013 redefines the future
of multiphase flow simulation, delivering next-generation capabilities and an intuitive interface.
Using the principles of user-centric design, the redesigned interface provides highly visual
and contextual access to PIPESIM functionality. Usability improvements have also been
made throughout the application, resulting in shorter learning curvesparticularly valuable
to casual users.

Streamlined and intuitive well modeling

Simplifying the overall work environment, the PIPESIM simulator gives you the option
to work withinand easily switch betweena well- or network-centric application layout.
The building of networks is also substantially improved. The single-branch view from previous
versions is now merged into the main network diagram, so that all equipment is visible at the
network level.
With a new, interactive graphical wellbore schematic shared by other Schlumberger software
applications, building wells is also much easier.

Powerful GIS mapping

A new ESRI-supported GIS map canvas helps deliver true spatial representation of wells,
equipment, and networks. The engineer subsequently gains a much better understanding of

Native 64-bit application for increased

scalability
Parallel network solver for significant
performance improvements

A new GIS canvas delivers rich visual references and information to build networks. Map services can be used
to augment this informationfor example, a topographical map service enables pipeline elevation profiling for
incorporation into the model.

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the actual field environmentenabling smarter decision making
for previously unseen physical obstacles or other considerations.
Engineers can build networks directly on the GIS canvas
and automatically populate pipeline and elevation profiles.

New level of software integration

The PIPESIM simulator integrates with key software platforms

such as the Avocet* production operations software platform and the
Petrel* E&P software platformto deliver a fully integrated solution,
spanning reservoir simulation to production operations.
A new PIPESIM-to-OLGA Converter tool enables rapid conversion
of models between the two simulators. Through integration with
Schlumberger and third-party software, the PIPESIM simulator allows
you to build a fully integrated model of the entire asset, connecting
with reservoir and process simulators such as the ECLIPSE* industryreference reservoir simulator, HYSYS, and UniSim, as well as real-time
data for online optimization.
PIPESIM 2013 also provides a consistent look and feel when working
with other Schlumberger production products, such as OFM* well and
reservoir analysis software.

Unmatched science

A new well-template capability enables rapid network constructioneven for

complex networks with high well counts.

Additional new PIPESIM features include the following:

Single properties editor that enables you to view and

change all properties for the object you selectat a
glance, and without closing and reopening another editor.
Simplified approach to manage results from multiple simulation
runs, which are accessible in the new results viewer.
Customizable workspace layout, including input and task panes
for easier navigation, and a message center for better feedback
on simulation progress and messages.
Continuous validation of modelsvalidation details in the editor are
added and a new validation tab directs the user to the specific object
editor that requires attention.

PIPESIM 2013 also delivers numerous speed improvements, allowing

you to experience faster simulation runtime. A native 64-bit application,
the 2013 version also features a new parallel network solver
to distribute computational processing.

The foundation for accurate modeling of well and pipeline systems

relies on three core areas of science: multiphase flow, heat transfer,
and fluid behavior.
The PIPESIM simulator offers the most advanced steady-state
modeling capabilities in the industry to address these critical aspects.
It incorporates a wide variety of industry-standard multiphase flow
correlations, as well as advanced 3-phase mechanistic models,
including OLGAS, Kongsberg LedaFlow Point Model, and the TUFFP
unified model.
These models allow calculation of flow regimes, liquid holdup,
slug characteristics, and pressure loss for all nodes along
the production path, enabling you to design and operate your
production-gathering and distribution systems with confidence.
Accurate prediction of heat transfer is critical for calculating
temperature dependent fluid properties, prediction of solids formation,
and the overall thermal design of your system. The PIPESIM simulator
performs comprehensive energy-balance calculations that account
for all mechanisms of heat transfer.
Heat transfer models supported by the PIPESIM simulator include a
flow regime-dependent inside film coefficient model and an analytical
heat-transfer model for convection in buried and partially buried pipes
that has been shown to closely match more complex finite-element
numerical methods.
Advanced modeling of fluid behavior is fundamental for accurate
modeling both heat transfer and multiphase flow. In addition to
standard black oil models, several compositional flash packages
are available, including ECLIPSE 300, GERG, and Multiflash.

Well performance modeling

The PIPESIM simulator optimizes well performance through

comprehensive modeling of completions and artificial lift systems.
This enables you to diagnose problems that are limiting well-production
potential, and optimize production from existing wells by quantifying
actions to increase flow rates.
A new parallel network solver spreads the computational load across all
processors, delivering significant performance improvements.

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Typical well performance applications that can be achieved
with the PIPESIM simulator include the following:

Select the optimal tubing or casing size

Perform a completion design with detailed quantification
of skin effects

Design water or gas injection wells

Determine the optimal horizontal completion length

Model multilayer wells including effects of crossflow

between zones
Model multilateral wells using the PIPESIM network solver
Optimize production from intelligent completions by modeling
downhole flow control valves
Quantify expected production improvements by reducing
skin effects
Diagnose liquid loading in gas wells and evaluate measures
to alleviate the problem

Nodal analysis within the PIPESIM simulator.

Match completion parameters and pressure/temperature profiles

using automated regression
Generate VFP tables for reservoir simulators
Perform detailed sensitivity analysis to identify parameters that
significantly impact production
Design artificial lift systems (e.g., rod pumps, PCPs, ESPs, and gas
lift) and compare their relative benefits
Model the effects of coiled tubing gas injection and velocity strings
Identify wellbore flow assurance issues, such as erosion, corrosion,
and solids formation (e.g., scale, wax, hydrates, and asphaltenes)
Model tubular, annulus, and mixed flow
Model downhole equipment such as chokes, subsurface safety
valves, separators, and chemical injectors

Flow assurance

Building wells is now much easier using

a new, interactive graphical wellbore
schematic that is shared by other
Schlumberger software applications.

The PIPESIM simulator offers the industrys most comprehensive

steady-state flow assurance workflows for both front-end system
design and production operations. This enables you to design and
optimize pipelines and equipment (pumps, compressors, multiphase
boosters, etc.) to maximize production and capital investment.
You can also develop mitigation strategies for systems in operation,
and rigorously model multiphase flow, heat transfer, and fluid behavior
to ensure fluids reliably reach the delivery point.
The PIPESIM simulator enables you to achieve typical flow
assurance applications:

The schematic can build accurate physical element and flow representations
even for complex multilayer wells.

Size pipelines to minimize backpressure while maintaining stable

flow rates and operating within the maximum allowable operating
pressure
Size pumps, compressors, and multiphase boosters to meet target
flow rates
Balance pipeline size against flow boosting to maximize economics
using sophisticated sensitivity options
Model the benefits of parallel flowlines
Calculate optimal burial depth and insulation requirements
for pipelines

PIPESIM

Identify the risk for severe riser slugging

Manage pipeline integrity with erosion and corrosion prediction

Accurately characterize fluid behavior with a wide variety of black-oil and compositional
fluid models
Size separation equipment and slug catchers to manage liquids associated with pigging
operations, ramp-up surges, and hydrodynamic slug volumes

Identify the risks of potential solids formation including wax, hydrates, asphaltenes, and scales

Assess the operational risk from deposition of wax along flowlines over time

Determine the amount of methanol to inject to avoid hydrate formation

Account for emulsion formation

Perform a comprehensive sensitivity analysis at any point in your hydraulic system using
multiple parameters in permutation or on a case-by-case basis (i.e., sets of conditions)
Match specified pressure and temperature data through automatic regression of holdup,
friction, and heat transfer factors
Report many detailed variables (flow, pressure distribution, fluid and thermal properties,
multiphase flow characteristics, flow assurance parameters, etc.) over the length of flow path
Automatically calculate equipment settings to match observed pressure/rate data

Once a system design has been completed in the PIPESIM simulator, the operability of the system
can be verified under transient conditions using the OLGA dynamic multiphase simulator. Such
situations include shut-in, start-up, ramp-up, terrain-induced slugging, severe slugging, slugtracking, hydrate kinetics, and wellbore cleanup. Together, the PIPESIM and OLGA simulators
provide the most comprehensive modeling solution for studying multiphase flow systems and
flow assurance phenomena.

Network simulation and optimization

The PIPESIM simulator provides an advanced network simulator for analyzing complex
production and injection networks, enabling you to engineer the best well, pipeline, and facilities
design for the complete system. It also allows you to identify production bottlenecks and

constraints, and optimize production from complex networks. A unique benefit of the PIPESIM
network simulator is that it shares a common
software environment with the well, pipeline,
and flow assurance modeling capabilities, to
deliver a rigorous, field-wide solution.
The network solver tool can solve networks
of virtually any size and topology, including
complex loop structures and crossovers.
Through modeling the entire production
or injection system as a network, the
interdependency of wells and surface
equipment is properly accounted for and
the deliverability of the system as a whole
is determined.
The following typical network simulation and
optimization applications can be achieved with
the PIPESIM simulator:

Operate oil and gas gathering systems,

while honoring multiple system constraints
Quickly identify locations in the system
most prone to flow assurance issues, such
as erosion, corrosion, and hydrate formation
Quantify the benefits of adding new wells,
compression, pipelines, etc.
Determine the optimal locations for pumps
and compressors
Design and operate water or gas
injection networks
Analyze hundreds of variables, such as
pressure, temperature, and flow assurance
parameters through complex flow paths
Evaluate the benefits of loops and
crossovers to reduce backpressure
Calculate full-field deliverability to ensure
contractual delivery rates are met
Optimize the allocation of lift gas among
wells and power distribution across
ESP-lifted wells.

E-mail sisinfo@slb.com or contact your local

Schlumberger representative to learn more.
Leverage deep science with the PIPESIM simulator.

www.slb.com/pipesim
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Copyright 2013 Schlumberger. All rights reserved. 13-IS-0205