Pipesim new features

Learn more about the latest additions to Pipesim

Pipesim 2024 new features

Return to Pipesim Steady-State Multiphase Flow Simulation

Pipesim 2024.1 Software Release

Dual-string tubing configuration

In Pipesim 2024.1, the advanced well functionality is extended to support wells with a dual string configuration, in which a pair of two parallel tubing strings are installed in the same wellbore, to enable production from or injecting to isolated zones that cannot flow simultaneously into a single tubing string.

Smart well completions with flow control valve (FCV)

Upgrade of the Olga S flow model to the version from Olga 2023.1

The list of available flow correlations in the Pipesim simulator is updated to include the version of the Olga S flow model from Olga 2023.1, with support for the high-definition (HD) model. The HD model represents a step-change in the fidelity of multiphase flow modeling and is a result of over 15 years of industry-sponsored research.

Gas lift design report

In Pipesim 2024.1, you have an option to generate a PDF report with all gas lift design input parameters and output results, including the comprehensive gas lift design plot. The report header includes user-defined data such as company, field, well, etc.

Upgrade of the simulation results' file format

To reduce the size of simulation result files that are stored in the pipr folder, Pipesim 2024.1 uses a new file format. This means that if you open a previously saved model using 2024.1, you will notice that the results in the new version are not displayed by default. A quick re-run is needed to visualize the results again

2023

New well type: advanced

A new advanced well type to support complex well configurations. This includes a limited edition of this functionality, enabling modeling of: flow control valve, tail pipe, tubing and annulus flow with two surface pressure conditions, ESP separated gas in the annulus, steam circulation with or without completion, and production/injection pairs using the same well perspective.

Smart well completions with flow control valve (FCV)

Modeling of FCVs is introduced under the advanced well editor. The flow in the annulus is modeled and the number of FCVs is not limited or related to the number of completions in the model. The FCV catalog is updated with all SLB valves, with the option to add a custom valve from other manufacturers.

Enable phase ratio override on Multiflash PVT files

Phase ratio override is the ability to change gas and water ratios at any stream inlet and neglect the phase ratios specified or calculated in the original fluid description. This feature is enabled to facilitate, in addition to overriding phase ratio in completions, the fluid editor and in sources, generating vertical flow performance (VFP) files while a Multiflash (MFL) file is used in the model.

New GIS map backgrounds

To improve the visualization on the GIS canvas, three background modes are added to the list of base maps: white, light, and dark. These backgrounds enable the display of better contrast of the network model objects and results and hide geographical data.

2022

New PVT fluid package: Symmetry

This release includes the Symmetry™ process software platform as an additional PVT package under compositional fluid modeling options. The Symmetry PVT package is a powerful fluid engine that—in addition to the basic fluid characterization capabilities—enables you to model solid formation risks of hydrate, wax, and asphaltene. It also lets you display a solid CO2 line on the phase diagram.

Expose ESP motor performance results

When you enable the surface power correction under the ESP Calculation Options tab and add a motor and a cable to the model, various motor variables are displayed as part of the ESP node and profile results. This includes motor load, efficiency, current, voltage, power factor, and cable voltage drop.

Support for ESP permanent magnet motors

In Pipesim 2022.1, you can model the installation of a +permanent magnet motor (PMM) in ESP systems. The overall ESP system—including operating speed, power, head, and efficiency— is adjusted based on the number of poles in the PMM, which allows for operating frequencies greater than 420 Hz.

Gas lift diagnostics plot added to P/T and nodal analysis tasks

If you model a well with a gas lift injection valve system and enable the multipoint option, the gas lift diagnostics plot is now added to the +P/T and nodal analysis tasks. Previously, this plot was only +available under the gas lift diagnostics task.

2021

New Python Toolkit environment

The previous Python Toolkit environment from Enthought has been replaced with a new Python distribution manager from Anaconda. A new script editor VSCodium has also been added. Various new Pipesim steady-state multiphase flow simulator functionalities are now supported, such as rate constraints in network simulation and sensitivity in NODAL analysis task.

Gas lift modeling using VPC catalog 

In addition to the conventional gas lift valves catalog available in the Pipesim simulator, you can now connect and utilize the Valve Performance Clearinghouse (VPC) catalog from Louisiana State University for more accurate gas lift modeling.

Corrosion Model from TPA 

A corrosion model from Trusted Pipeline Advisor has been added. This corrosion model is consistent with the NACE-ICDE standards and accounts for various new parameters such as regional stagnant water accumulations, bacteria or oxygen ingress, pre-existing corrosion damage, and evidence of black powder or debris.

Multiflash version 7.1

Multiflash is an advanced fluid characterization software from KBC. In Pipesim 2021.1, Multiflash 7.1 is added and will be downloaded automatically. You may refer to KBC website for more details. Multiflash license is sold separately.

Composite IPR

A new option ‘Vogel water cut correction’ is added with ‘Use Vogel below bubble point’ option. This new option adjusts the IPR curve below bubble point based on water fraction. For higher water cut values, the curve tends to become more linear, and the effect of free gas is reduced.

GL Multi-pointing in NODAL Analysis

Gas lift multi-pointing is a non-desirable condition that can be modeled using gas lift diagnostics task. Now the PIPESM simulator can predict this condition in NODAL analysis and data comparison tasks. The valve status, open, close, or throttling is also available when the multi-pointing option is enabled.

Heat transfer in wells

In Pipesim 2021.1, you can let Pipesim calculate the heat transfer coefficient for you using Ramey model, which takes into consideration geothermal conductivity as well as tubing, casing, and annulus material properties.

2020

ESP surface power calculations

The Pipesim simulator can now calculate the ESP power consumption at surface conditions. To enable this functionality, you need to add the installed motor and cable in the well.

Gas lift modeling using VPC catalog 

Annulus flow in surface pipes

Now you can model annulus flow in surface pipes. This will help in modeling multilateral completions as well as some special configurations for SAGD operations.

Prediction of gas lift multi-pointing

Gas lift multipointing is a nondesirable condition that can be modeled using the gas lift diagnostics task. Now the Pipesim simulator can predict this condition in pressure and temperature and system analysis tasks.

Erosion and corrosion risk indicators

Risk indicators for erosional velocity ratio (EVR) and corrosion rate can now be calculated based on user-defined risk ranking limits from negligible to severe. This can then be visualized on the results color gradient on the GIS canvas.

Python Toolkit additional features

The extensibility framework PythonToolkit has been updated with additional functionalities to support new features and functionalities added in the Pipesim simulator in this release.