Symmetry pipe

Integrated approach to optimize production

Overview

Symmetry Pipe relies on state-of-the-art thermodynamics that enable you to apply the same fluid characterization, physical properties, and phase equilibria throughout the gathering system, processing, refining, final products, and by-products. This provides a more consistent model and includes the ability to track all the components from end-to-end.

Applications

Integrated approach to optimize production

From a simple straight pipeline to a highly complex network, you can run integrated analyses in steady-state or transient mode. Use steady state for cases such as network debottlenecking. Transient conditions can be used to analyze flow assurance conditions, such as liquid loading, pigging scheduling, and slugging.

Ensure pipeline reliability

Pipeline reliability depends on continuous flow from wells to processing units, at a flow throughput rate that’s as close to the design rate as possible. Symmetry Pipe provides dynamic and steady-state analysis to help you

optimize design using thermohydraulics
assess multiphase production fluids through pipelines
predict, prevent, and remediate flow stoppages, such as slugging, wax, and hydrates.

Consistent property package across the integrated system

Symmetry process simulation software has a consistent property package and fluid characterization that can be used throughout the simulator with both steady-state and dynamic engines.

Fluid characterization suitable for different operations

The platform contains a variety of fluid characterization methods for systems, ranging from heavy oil to liquids produced with gas. Simulations can use a consistent slate of components, regardless of the number of different fluids when using n-paraffin, isoparaffin, olefin, naphthene, and aromatic (PIONA) -based characterizations. These types of fluids track the molecular structure of the different sources, enabling you to consistently estimate property when material is blended.

Benefits

The streamlined workflow in the Pipe workspace enables engineers to build models for any stage of the asset life cycle, from field development to asset production operations optimization.

The Symmetry platform has consistent thermodynamics and fluid characterization methods that are used in both steady-state and dynamic engines from the field, pipe network, processing plants, and flare systems.

The Pipe workspace is equipped with industry-standard flow models including generalized multiphase mechanistic models like Petalas and Oliemans, superior mechanistic models such as OLGAS 2 and 3 phase interface, as well as the traditional empirical methods.

Features

Pigging

Insert pigs directly in the pipeline or through the pig launcher in the dynamic model.
Track pig location and velocity throughout the gathering system/network.
Predict liquid holdup and pressure loss as pig proceeds down the pipe and sweeps liquid ahead.
Pig one or multiple pipes—there’s no limit to the number of pipes in a network that can be pigged.
Analyze different mechanisms to mitigate large liquid slugs leaving the pipeline into the downstream slug catcher, including detailed control schemes.
Use Scheduler block to develop a pigging schedule for pipelines at regular intervals.

Slugging

Calculate liquid holdups and slugs induced by elevation/ terrain changes in pipelines— important for configurations such as risers.
Calculate slugging based on flow rate and operational conditions (e.g., turn-up slug).
Monitor the formation and burping of liquid slugs in pipelines.
Evaluate slug catchers based on liquid slugs/holdup.
Slug mitigation measures assessment (topside choking, gas lift, etc.)

Flow Correlations

Generalized multiphase mechanistic models (Petalas, Oliemans, etc.)
Available superior mechanistic flow models such as OLGAS 2 and 3 phase interface
Traditional empirical methods (Beggs and Brill, Lockhart & Martinelli)

Flow Assurance

Rigorous hydrate formation estimation with or without inhibitors
Wax formation
Erosional Velocity
Solid formation
Component tracking
Extensive list of physical and transport properties
Access to a comprehensive set of productivity tools: case studies, custom calculations in process calculators, and flexible plotting of virtually any variable

Well Deliverability

Well performance can be modeled using the Deliverability option, which enables you to input a relationship between well flowing pressure and well production rate.

Tabular data (Q versus P)
Linear relationship
Fetkovich equation
Vogel equation

Pipe Network Creation

Build a network using terrain details based on digital elevation models (e.g. DEM files)
Build pipe network models from shapefiles
Resolve inconsistencies and connectivity issues using the network connection tool

Training