LEDAF LOW ®

ADVANCED TRANS IE NT
M ULT IP HAS E FLOW S I M U L ATO R

LedaFlow brings a step change in fidelity, accuracy and flexibility to

transient multiphase flow simulation.
BACKGROUND
LedaFlow is the product of ten years of
innovative development by SINTEF
sponsored, guided and supported by
TOTAL and ConocoPhillips,
commercialised and developed further by
KONGSBERG. LedaFlow is based on
models that are closer to the actual
physics of multiphase flow and provides a
step change in detail, fidelity, quality,
accuracy and flexibility over existing
KONGSBERG is an international
corporation that offers high-
LedaFlow solves the mass balance technology solutions to help
equations for all nine fields (gas, oil and ensure safer, more efficient
water in the bulk and two dispersed fields operations under extreme and
per phase). The additional mass balances
complex conditions. The Group is
provide the potential to refine the closure
a world-wide knowledge based
rules to match new laboratory data more
closely organisation with a well
organised performance culture.
Continuous
Gas Phase
Dispersed
Oil Phase

multiphase flow simulation technology. Dispersed Continuous

LedaFlow has been extensively validated Water Phase Oil Phase
K E Y F I G UR E S 20 16
Dispersed
against the best available and most Gas Phase
Continuous
Water Phase KO N G SB E R G
comprehensive experimental data sets to
ensure that the models are as
representative as possible and is designed LEDAFLOW APPLICATION AREAS 7 1 59 E M P LOYE E S
with an intuitive user interface ensuring LedaFlow is routinely applied in the
improved productivity. LedaFlow also has following areas during the life cycle of a
a comprehensive relational database to project: MORE THAN
ensure that all cases are stored and readily 25 C O U N T R IE S
available.
8 3% O F T H E
INCREASED RESOLUTION R E VE N U E S F ROM
LedaFlow increases the resolution of O U TSI D E N ORWAY
modelling, solving mass, energy, and
momentum conservation for each of the
three phases of flow (oil, gas and water).
This improves the accuracy in simulation
of critical transient events and D I ST R I B UT I O N O F REV ENUES
consequently provides a step change in 20 16
the understanding of fluid behaviour.
OTHERS
5%

TEMPERATURE CALCULATIONS KPS

13 %

As LedaFlow solves separate energy

equations for all three phases, much more
accurate information can be determined MODEL FEATURES KDS
28 %

during stratified flow and during blow The LedaFlow simulator offers an KM
54 %

down conditions where the temperature extensive package of functionality that

of the slower moving liquids at the bottom
of a pipe can differ considerably from the
gas flow above. This is particularly
important for estimating corrosion rates
and pipe-wall temperatures for material
selection and for determining hydrate
risks.
MULTI-FIELD APPROACH
does not require additional modules. The
model features include standard
multiphase calculations for steady-state
and transient calculations, both 2 and 3
phase. LedaFlow is able to identify five
flow regimes for the gas/liquid interface:
stratified, slug and bubbly for horizontal
geometries; annular, churn, slug and
bubbly flows for vertical ones.

LEDAF LOW ®
ADVANCED TRANS IE NT
M ULT IP HAS E FLOW S I M U L ATO R
MODEL FEATURES CONTINUED
Composition tracking of individual
components along the pipeline allows
composition to vary due to difference in
velocity between phases, interfacial mass
transfer and merging of different fluid
compositions throughout the network.
This is based on the GUTS thermodynamic
engine or Multiflash™ multiphase
equilibrium calculation package.
Slug capturing based on the solution of
multiple field stratified flow transport
equations capture the initiation of
hydrodynamic slugs. This technique
resolves waves and slugs on the
computational grid using higher-order
numerical methods, eliminating the need
for a sub-grid model. LedaFlow provides
the first commercially available solution to
accurately predict hydrodynamic slug
behaviour without user input.
Wells are simulated using inflow
performance relationships (linear PI, single
quadratic, IPR table, double quadratic,
back pressure, back pressure normalized,
Vogel, Under saturated) and user defined
inflow zones. Advanced options such as
fractures and viscosity correction are also
available. Accurate thermo-hydraulic
modelling of flow in an annulus combined
with gas lift valve tables enables transient
gas lift simulations.
Custom fluids track the concentration of
hydrate inhibitors (MEG, MeOH, EtOH) or
any single component, such as drilling
muds, tracers and dead oil, in all three
phases.
Processing equipment such as separators
and multiphase pumps are modelled to
capture proper integrated dynamics
allowing the user to study the interaction
Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia Pacific
Kongsberg Digital
Drengsrudbekken 12
1383 Asker
Norway
Phone: +47 67 80 48 00
Fax: +47 67 80 48 30
kdi.sales@kongsberg.com
WORLD CL ASS - THROUG H P EOP LE, TECHNOLOGY A ND D E D I CAT I O N
between the process and the pipeline
more accurately.
Wax deposition model helps determine the
pigging frequency required to keep wax
deposits under control. The model
simulates creation and melting of wax and
takes into account corresponding changes
in pressure and temperature as well as its
effect on fluid properties.
Hydrate transport model calculates the
formation and transport of hydrate
particles. The model helps in evaluating the
possibility to operate outside the hydrate
risk region by taking into account the
effect of inhibitors, changes in
temperature due to heat of reaction and
effect on fluid properties.
Buried pipe model provides increased
accuracy and resolution for temperature
calculations reducing uncertainty leading
toward optimal design. Relevant
applications include blow down, top-of-line
corrosion, material selection, pipe thermal
stress, wax deposition and hydrate risk.
Gas zone
Oil zone
Water zone
Geothermal gradient
Pure steam/water simulations are
supported through an in-built steam
thermodynamics package. Furthermore,
the flexible wall feature allows for more
accurate water hammer studies. Other
single component systems like CO2 can be
Americas
Kongsberg Digital, Inc.
10777 Westheimer Road, Suite 1200
Houston, TX 77042
United States of America
Phone: +1 713 808 6800
Fax: +1 713 266 8611
kdi.sales@kongsberg.com
handled using Multiflash.
Scripting allows the user to
programmatically control LedaFlow to build
and edit models, execute commands,
introduce logic, extract data and write data
back to LedaFlow.
Multi-CPU capabilities and multi-core
processors significantly improve the time
required to solve complex models.
State-of-the-art 3D visualization is
available which makes understanding of
the multiphase flow effects easier. 3D
animation recording is also supported.
MODEL VALIDATION
The LedaFlow partners have spent a lot of
time validating LedaFlow against
experimental and field data using
databases with over 12 000 data points.
TOTAL and ConocoPhillips have also
contributed with validations against field
data, as have the partners in the
LedaFlow® Improvements to Flow
Technology (LIFT) program.
LedaFlow is an independent and open
simulator that is the first to provide slug
capturing for hydrodynamic slug prediction
and modelling of churn flow. LedaFlow is
also the first simulator to provide three
energy equations and is thoroughly
calibrated using exclusive large-scale
experimental and field data. Many
operators have now tested and proven
LedaFlow.
To Learn more about the LedaFlow®
advanced transient multiphase flow
simulator, contact your local KONGSBERG
representative or visit the website at www.
kongsberg.com/ledaflow.
Multiflash is a trademark of KBC Infochem (part of KBC).