PIPESIM Software

Total Production Compressor

System Separator

Riser Pump
Choke
gas
Flow line
oil
Safety Valve Export
lines
Tubing

Reservoir
Completion
 Content
• Introduction
• Fluid Properties
• Inflow Performance
• Out flow Performance
• Factors Affecting VLP
• IPR/VLP Relationship
• Tubing Selection Criteria
• Nodal Analysis
• Factors Affecting Nodal Analysis
 Content (cont.)
• Software Interface
• Data Collection
• Building a Well Model
• Data Matching
• Nodal Analysis using Pipesim
• Oil Well Modeling
• Gas Well Modeling
• Model a Gathering Network
 Objectives for this Course
• Overview of field development processes with the
analysis of the reservoir and downhole data and
improve the wells performance by the nodal analysis
and the artificial lift systems using the pipesim
software.

• Using individual PIPESIM modules for a wide range of

analyses, including well modeling, nodal analysis,
field planning, artificial lift optimization, pipeline
design and equipment sizing.
What do you expect from this
course?
Reservoir Properties
 Rock Properties
The main Reservoir rock properties are:

• Porosity (total and effective)

• Permeability
• Saturations
• Compressibility
• Net pay thickness
• Reservoir shape
 Fluid Properties
Basic fluid parameters used in reservoir engineering:

• Viscosity
• Compressibility
• Formation Volume Factor
• GOR
• Phase diagram
 Viscosity ()

• A measure of resistance to flow

• Symbols:  o,  g,  w
• Units: cp
• Sources: Lab measurements, correlations
• Range and typical values
0.25 to 10,000 cp, Black oil
0.5 to 1.0 cp, Water
0.012 to 0.035 cp, Gas
Fluid Compressibility (Co, Cg, Cw)

• Fractional change in volume due to a unit change

in pressure
• Symbol: Co, Cg, Cw
• Units: psi-1, microsips (1 microsip = 1x10-6 psi-1)
• Source: Lab measurements, correlations
 OFVF-Bo
• The oil formation volume factor, Bo, is defined as the
ratio of the volume of oil (plus the gas in solution) at
the prevailing reservoir temperature and pressure to
the volume of oil at standard conditions.
• Bo is always greater than or equal to unity. The oil
formation volume factor can be expressed
mathematically as:
 GOR is different from Gas in
Solution (Rs)
• GOR is the ratio of all the gas at surface and the oil
at surface, while Rs is the ratio of gas in solution in
the oil in the reservoir.
 The Five Reservoir Fluids

Black Volatile Retrograde Wet Dry

Oil Oil Gas Gas Gas
Phase Diagram - Typical Black Oil

Pressure path
in reservoir
Critical
point Dewpoint line
Pressure, psia

Black Oil

% Liquid

Separator

Temperature, °F
Phase Diagram of a Typical Volatile Oil

Pressure path Critical

1 point
in reservoir

2
Volatile oil
Pressure

% Liquid

Separator

Temperature, °F
Phase Diagram of a Typical Retrograde Gas
Pressure path
in reservoir
1
Retrograde gas
2
Pressure

Critical point

% Liquid

Separator

Temperature
Phase Diagram of Typical Dry Gas
Pressure path
in reservoir
1
Pressure

Dry gas

% Liquid
2

Separator

Temperature
 Black Oil Volatile Oil

Pressure path
in reservoir
Pressure path
in reservoir

2
Critical
1 point

The Five
Dewpoint line Volatile oil

Reservoir
Critical
point
Pressure, psia

Pressure
Black Oil
% Liquid

% Liquid

3 Fluids
Separator Separator

Temperature, °F Temperature

Pressure path
in reservoir Pressure path
Pressure path
in reservoir in reservoir
1
Retrograde gas 1 1
2
Pressure
Pressure

Wet gas

Pressure
Dry gas
Critical
point
% Liquid
Critical % Liquid
% Liquid
point
3 2
2

Separator Separator
Separator

Temperature Temperature Temperature

Retrograde Gas Wet Gas Dry Gas

Three Gases - What Are the Differences?

• Dry gas - gas at surface is same as gas in reservoir.

• Wet gas - recombined surface gas and condensate

represents gas in reservoir.

• Retrograde gas - recombined surface gas and

condensate represents the gas in the reservoir
But not the total reservoir fluid (retrograde
condensate stays in reservoir).
 Field Identification

Black Volatile Retrograde Wet Dry

Oil Oil Gas Gas Gas
Initial <1750 1750 to > 3200 > 15,000* 100,000*
Producing 3200
Gas/Liquid
Ratio, scf/STB
Initial Stock- < 45 > 40 > 40 Up to 70 No
Tank Liquid Liquid
Gravity, API
Color of Stock- Dark Colored Lightly Water No
Tank Liquid Colored White Liquid

*For Engineering Purposes

 Exercise 1

Determine reservoir fluid type from field

data?
 Plot of Exercise 1 Data
500
gas/oil ratio, scf/STB

400
Producing

300

200

100
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Months since start of production
 Plot of Exercise 1 Data
Three-Month Running Average
500
gas/oil ratio, scf/STB

400
Producing

300

200

100
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Months since start of production
Exercise 1 Solution

Black Oil
Inflow Performance
 Objectives

• Calculate the IPR for oil wells

• Calculate the IPR for gas wells
Fluid Path
Pressure Losses
Pressure drop main
components

Z

h
P

Elevation
After Brown, Technology of Artificial Lift Methods, Vol 4, p. 71
Friction Acceleration
 Ideal Flow Assumptions
• Ideal well
• Purely radial flow
• Infinite reservoir
• Uniform thickness
• Stabilized flow
• Single phase
• Above bubble point
• Homogeneous reservoir
 Ideal Flow Assumptions
• Perforations penetrate throughout reservoir
• Reservoir shape
• Wellbore clean / uncased
• No skin
• Darcy’s law
 Non Ideal Flow
• Departures from Darcy’s law
• Effects at boundaries
• Position of well
• Non homogeneous reservoir
• Perforation positions
• High velocities
• Fluid type / high GOR
• Relative permeability effects - oil/water/gas
near the wellbore
• Depletion of reservoir
• Flow restrictions (skin)
 Inflow Performance
Radial Flow

dr

Pe = boundary pressure
Pwf = well flowing pressure
r
Pr = pressure at r
re re = drainage radius
rw = wellbore radius
Pwf

Pr

Pe
 Reservoir Capabilities
• Darcy’s Law
– Liquid flow in Laminar Flow through a permeable medium is described
by Darcy’s Law

7.08X 10 3 k h p  p w f 
q
  re  
q = flow rate (STB/day)  o Bo  ln    0.75  s 

k = reservoir permeability (md)   rw  
h = height of the pay zone (ft)
P = average reservoir pressure (psi)
Pwf = well flowing pressure at the sand face (psi)
o = viscosity of the fluid (cp)
Bo = formation volume factor (RB/STB)
re = drainage radius (ft)
rw = wellbore radius (ft)
 Reservoir Capabilities
• S = Skin Factor (dimensionless)

 k   ra 
s    1 ln  
 ka   rw 
where:
k = Permeability of reservoir (md)
ka = Permeability of damaged zone (md)
ra = Radius of damaged zone (ft)
rw = Wellbore radius (ft)
 Factors Affecting
Inflow Performance
Principle origins of Skin:
• Formation damage (+ve)
• Perforations (+ve)
• Partial completions/limited entry (+ve)
• Gravel pack (+ve)
• Non-Darcy flow (+ve)
• Multiphase flow (+ve)
• Natural fractures (-ve)
• Hydraulic fractures (-ve)
• Deviated/horizontal wells (-ve)
 Well & Reservoir
Inflow Performance
Factors Affecting PI :

1. Phase behavior
•Bubble point pressure
•Dew point pressure

2. Relative permeability behavior

•Ratio of effective permeability to a particular fluid
(oil, gas or water) to the absolute permeability of the
rock
 Well & Reservoir
Inflow Performance

3.Oil viscosity
•Viscosity decreases with pressure decrease to Pb
•Viscosity increases as gas comes out of solution

4. Oil formation volume factor (Bo)

•As pressure is decreased the liquid will expand
•As gas comes out of solution oil will shrink
 Which Curve?

• If a sample of formation fluid (pressurized) is taken

and analyzed for bubble point, then the decision can
be made of what relationship to use.
Well Productivity Index (PI)
 Well Productivity Index (PI)
• Pwf > Pb :
Q = PI x (Pws - Pwf)

– For gas compressible reservoirs:

Q = PI x (Pws2 - Pwf2)
where, Pws = static reservoir pressure
Pwf = flowing bottom-hole pressure
Pb = bubble point pressure, Q = flowrate
 Productivity Index

• A common indicator of liquid reservoir behavior is

PI or productivity index

q
J STB / D / psi
p  p wf
 Productivity Index in Terms
of Darcy’s Law

3
7.08 X 10 k h
J
  re  
o Bo  ln    0.75  s 
  rw  
 Calculating Flowrate
• Using PI, we can calculate flowrate (q) quickly
and easily from

q  J ( p  pwf )
 Exercise 1

• Given reservoir parameters:

k = 30 md
h = 40 ft
o = 0.5 cp
Bo = 1.2 RB/STB
hole size = 8 ½ inches
s =0
 Exercise 1

• Calculate:
– J for re = 1,000 ft
– q for a drawdown ( p  pwf ) of 750 psi
– q for a drawdown of 1,000 psi
– With p = 3,000 psia, calculate q for a complete
drawdown (absolute open flow potential).
Multiphase Flow
 Multiphase Flow
• Bubble point pressure (Pb)
– Pressure at which first bubble of gas is released
from reservoir oils
 Multiphase Flow
• Vogel’s Behavior
– IPR Curve - Vogel plotted the data using the
following dimensionless variables

p wf and
q
p qmax
 Vogel Curve
1

0.8

0.6
pwf/pr

0.4

0.2

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

q/qmax
 Multiphase Flow
• Mathematical model for Vogel’s curve

 q  
2
 pwf   pwf 
   1  0.2    0.8   
 qmax    p   p  
 Finding Vogel qmax
1

0.8

0.6
pwf/pr

0.4

0.2

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2

q/qmax
 Exercise 2
• Reservoir parameters:
p = 2,350 psia
k = 140 md
h = 35 ft
o = 0.8 cp
Bo = 1.25 rbbl/STB
re = 2,000 ft
rw = 0.411 ft
pb = 3,000 psia
s = 2
 Exercise 2

• Calculate J

• Calculate qmax

• Construct IPR curve

 Fetkovich Equation
• Alternative to Vogel’s equation
• Empirical correlation
q / qmax = [ 1 - ( Pwf / Pr )2 ] n

• The lower the value of n, the greater the degree of

turbulence
• Also known as “normalized backpressure equation”
Fetkovich IPR
 Combination IPR
• Vogel IPR Curve:
(q/qmax) = 1 – 0.2 (Pwf/P) – 0.8 (Pwf/P)2
• Straight line IPR
(q/qmax) = 1 –(Pwf/P)

Pwf = bottom hole flowing pressure

P = maximum shut-in bottom hole pressure
When the average reservoir pressure is above the bubble point and the flowing
bottom hole pressure is below the bubble point, a combined approach using straight
line and Vogel will describe the process.
 Multiphase Flow
• Combination Darcy/Vogel

pb
Pressure

pwf

J pb
qb
1.8 qmax
O

O Rate q
 Multiphase Flow
• How to find qmax:

for q  qb , Darcy' s law applies : q  Jp  p wf 


  2
 p wf  p wf 
 for q  qb then : q  qb  qmax  qb  1  0 . 2  0 . 8   
  pb  pb  
 

J pb
qmax  qb 
1.8
Heterogeneous Formations
Out Flow Performance
 Vertical Multiphase Flow
Objectives

1. List the 3 components of pressure loss for

multiphase flow in vertical pipe.
2. Define liquid holdup.
3. Define and calculate critical rate to remove
liquids.
 Pressure Loss Components

dP g fm  v 2
 m vm dvm
  m sin   
m m
dZ tot g c 2gc d g c dZ

Elevation
Friction

Acceleration
 System Analysis
• Friction losses are controlled by fluid viscosity and
geometric factors (pipe diameter and roughness).
• In the majority of oil field applications, (i.e. large
elevation difference between inlet and outlet with
liquids present) the gravitational component
normally accounts for around 90% of the overall
head loss.
• Therefore, the total pressure drop function is not
particularly sensitive to the value of the friction loss
coefficient.
• The acceleration component is usually small except
in systems involving fluid expansion.
Pressure Loss in Inclined Pipe

h


Tubing Friction
Tubing Friction
Tubing Friction
Heat Transfer
 Slippage Phenomena
• The gas phase moves at a faster velocity than the
liquid phase due to buoyancy forces.

• Consequence is a change in the areas of each phase in

an element.

• The slip corrected liquid area is termed LIQUID

HOLDUP.

• Correction from phase volumes to holdup volumes

through multi-phase correlations.
 Annular Flow
• Gas slippage tends to be decreased in the annular
ring (as compared with a circular tubing of the same
cross-sectional area) because of the decrease in the
distance between wall faces.

• Under certain circumstances, the annulus between

the casing and a tubing is a more efficient educator
for the oil and gas than the tubing itself.
Liquid Holdup

VL
HL 
Vg VL  Vg

VL
m  H L L  1  H L  g
Liquid Holdup
Slip and no-slip flows
Effects of phase slippage
Uphill Downhill

vG vG
v v
L qG = vG AG
L
qL = vL AL

vL < vG vL > vG
H L >  L H L
<  L
 Pressure Gradient Survey

Depth of Liquid Interface

Depth, ft

Pressure
Temperature Profile
Two-phase Flow Regime at Shut-in

Flowing Well
to surface shut in
Valve
closed
Hg Gas

Liquid
HL

Perforations Perforations
 Phase Flow Regimes in Wellbore

Liquid
Mixture

Gas
Liquid

Slug flow Mist flow Annular flow

 Factors Affecting VLP
• Wall roughness

• Inclination

•Tubing ID

• Well depth / line lengths

• Liquid / gas density

• Liquid / gas viscosity
• Liquid / gas velocity
 Factors Affecting VLP
• Surface pressure

• Water cut

• GOR

• Liquid surface tension

• Flow rate
 Flow Regimes
• Based on observations

• Different flow patterns

– Proportion of phases
– Flow velocity
– Viscosities
– Interfacial tension
 Flow
Regimes
Flow Regimes
Flow Regimes
 Critical Rate To Lift Liquid

• Most gas wells produce some liquids

• Liquids may be
– Vaporized in reservoir gas
– Free liquid in reservoir
• Liquids will accumulate if not lifted to surface
• Accumulated liquids will reduce productivity
• For a given set of conditions, there is a minimum
flow rate to lift liquids.
 Models for Liquid Transport

Continuous film model Entrained drop model

• Expansion of gas occurs as the gas rises from the bottom
of the well. The expanding gas can entrain and carry
liquid with it if the flow rate reaches critical velocity (the
velocity necessary to lift liquid).

• Remember – the volume of the gas bubble

2500 ft
(and indirectly the velocity of the upward
flowing fluid) is controlled by the pressure 1075 psi
around it. This pressure is provided by the
formation pore pressure and controlled by
the choke and other back pressure
resistances.

5,000 ft

2150 psi
The type of flow pattern changes with the expansion of the gas. One or
more of the flow patterns may be present in different parts of the well.
The flow patterns may explain differences in lift, corrosion and unloading.

Mist Flow – external phase is gas with a small amount of

liquid

Channel or annular flow

Slug or churn flow

Depth and Piston flow

Pressure

Bubble flow

Single phase liquid flow

 Critical Velocity


  L  g
vt  1.912
14
  
14


  g
12



Where
vt = terminal velocity of liquid droplet, ft/sec
L = liquid density, lbm/ft3
g = gas density, lbm/ft3
 = interfacial tension, dynes/cm
Vertical Lift Performance
 Production Tubing Design
1. Max and optimum flow rate
2. Max surface pressure (flowing and shut-in)
3. Corrosion potential over life of string
4. Erosion potential over life of the string
5. Stimulation factors
6. Tensile strength
7. Burst and collapse
 Tubing Selection

• Sizing

• Corrosion

• Chrome pipe handling

Inflow Performance Relationship, IPR

The IPR is a “snap shot” in time of

the performance of a well in the
reservoir. The well performance
diminishes as reservoir pressure
decreases.
 Tubing Performance Curves with
Inflow Performance Relationship

A
C
TPC’s represent a particular tubing design (size and taper) and
are constant – They perform well when the IPR curve D
intersects them (B), and become unstable(C) as the IPR curve
passes them. The liquids will not be naturally lifted (D) when
the IPR no longer contacts them.
IPR Change After Some
Reservoir Depletion
 What Happens When TPC and IPR
Curves no longer meet?

Pressure

Flow Rate
 What Happens When TPC and IPR
Curves no longer meet?

Pressure

Pressure
differential that
must be
supplied by
artificial lift

Flow Rate
 BHP and Lift Example
• 50% water cut, 35o API oil, 60 psi wellhead pressure,
using Hagedorn and Brown gradients:
Tubing Flow GLR BHP
(in) (b/d) (scf/bbl) (psi)
2-3/8” 50 1,000 970
2-3/8” 400 1,000 1,070
2-7/8” 50 1,000 1,320
2-7/8” 400 1,000 940
• At 400 bpd, the 2-3/8” tubing shows excessive flow
resistance. At 50 bpd, the 2-7/8” is allowing gas to
slip through the liquid. Either case reduces
production.
Summary
 The flow equation
• Inflow Variables
– Height of reservoir (contact height)
– Radius of the reservoir
– Differential pressure (the main driving force to move
fluids)
– Viscosity of the hydrocarbon
• Outflow Variables
– Diameter(s) and length of flow path (the casing below the
packer and the tubing)
– Velocities in each section (above critical to lift liquids)
– Hydrostatic head (the flowing and the static heads as back
pressures)
– Backpressures (fracture, perforation and tubing friction;
choke; surface line friction; separator and sales line
pressure)
 The factors controlling flow
• To increase flow:
– Increase pressure differential between reservoir
and sales line.
– Look at the major pressure drops and eliminate
them.
– Keep the velocities above the critical velocities in
each section.
Well Testing
 What is A Well Test?

A tool for reservoir evaluation and characterization.

 Investigates a much larger volume of the reservoir than

cores or logs
 Provides estimate of permeability under in-situ
conditions
 Provides estimates of near-wellbore condition
 Provides estimates of distances to boundaries

107
How is A Well Test Conducted?

108
 Well Test Applications

• Exploration

• Reservoir engineering

• Production engineering

109
 Well Test Applications

Exploration

• Is this zone economic?

• How large is this reservoir?

110
 Well Test Applications

Reservoir engineering

• What is the average reservoir pressure?

• How do I describe this reservoir in order to estimate
reserves?
• Forecast future performance?
• Optimize production?

111
 Well Test Applications

Production engineering

• Is this well damaged?

• How effective was this stimulation treatment?
• Why is this well not performing as well as expected?

112
 Well Test Objectives

• Define reservoir limits

• Estimate average drainage area pressure

• Characterize reservoir

• Diagnose productivity problems

• Evaluate stimulation treatment effectiveness

113
 Well Test Objectives
• Define reservoir limits
– Distances to boundaries
– Drainage area

• Estimate average drainage area pressure

• Characterize reservoir
– Permeability
– Skin factor

114
 Well Test Objectives
•Diagnose productivity problems
– Permeability
– Skin factor
•Evaluate stimulation treatment effectiveness
– Skin factor
– Fracture conductivity
– Fracture half-length

115
Types of Well Tests

116
 Single Well Tests(liquid)

• Drawdown test

• Buildup test

• Injection test

• Falloff test

117
 Drawdown Test
• Drawdown test :Produce a well at constant rate and
measure the pressure response.

118
Drawdown Test

119
 Buildup Test
• Buildup test : Shut in a well that has been producing
and measure the pressure response.

120
Buildup Test.

121
 Injection test
• Injection test : Inject fluid into a well at constant rate
and measure the pressure response.

122
Injection test

123
 Falloff Test
• Falloff test : Shut in an injection well and measure
the pressure response.

124
Falloff Test

125
 Single Well Tests(Gas)

• Flow after flow Test

• Isochronal Test

• Modified Isochronal Test

126
 Flow After Flow Test
• The backpressure test is conducted by producing the
well at a series of different stabilized flow rates and
measuring the stabilized bottom hole pressure.

• It is usually followed by a pressure build up at the

end of the flow periods.

• This test is also called “four point test”.

127
 Flow after Flow testing
• A flow-after-flow test begins with the well shut.
• The well is placed on production at a constant rate
until the Pwf becomes constant.
• Once Pwf has stabilized, the production rate is
changed and the procedure is repeated for several
rates.
• The test is analysed by plotting versus on log-log
coordinates and drawing the best straight line
through the points.
129
 Isochronal Test
• The isochronal test is conducted by producing the
well at a stabilized (or slowly declining) sand face
rate, then shutting in and allowing the well to build
up to the average reservoir pressure prior to the
beginning of the next flow period.

• It is usually conducted at 4 different test rates.

130
131
 Modified isochronal test
• The modified isochronal test is conducted like an
isochronal test, except the shut-in periods are of
equal duration. The shut-in periods, however, should
equal or exceed the length of the flow periods.

• Because the well does not build up to average

reservoir pressure after each flow period, the shut-in
sand face pressures recorded immediately before
each flow period rather than the average reservoir
pressure are used in the test analysis.

132
133
 Multi-Well Tests

• Interference Test

• Pulse test

134
 Interference Test
• Interference test : Produce one well at constant rate
and measure the pressure response at one or more
offset wells.

135
 Interference Test
• Rate history and pressure
response of a two-well
interference test
conducted by placing the
active well on production
at constant rate.

136
 Pulse Test
• Pulse test : Alternately produce and shut in one well
and measure the pressure response at one or more
offset wells.

137
 Pulse Test

• Rate history and

pressure response for a
pulse test.

138
Nodal Analysis
Total Production Compressor
System Separator

Riser Pump
Choke
gas
Flow line
oil
Safety Valve Export
lines
Tubing

Reservoir
Completion
Pressure Loss in System

Inflow Performance
P1 = PR – Pwfs
P2 = Pwfs – Pwf
 Pressure Losses
Surface Separator
P wh
Choke
P dsc P sep

Safety P dsv
Valve DP = P r - P wfs = Loss in Porous Medium
1
P usv DP = P wfs - P wf = Loss across Completion
2
DP = P ur - P dr = Loss across Restriction
3
DP = P usv - P dsv = Loss across Safety Valve
4
DP = P wh - P dsc = Loss across Surface Choke
5
P dr DP = P dsc - P sep = Loss in Flowline
Bottom 6
Hole
Restriction P ur DP = P wf - P wh = Total Loss in Tubing
7
DP = P wh - P sep = Total Loss in Flowline
8

_
P wf P wfs Pr Pe

Possible Pressure Losses in Complete Production System

 NODAL ANALYSIS CONCEPT

Q Q
INFLOW NODE OUTFLOW

Pu UPSTREAM
Pn DOWNSTREAM
Pd
COMPONENTS COMPONENTS

ΔPu ΔPd

ΔP = f (Q)

P node = Pu – ΔP upstream components (1) = f1(Q)

P node = Pd + ΔP downstream components (2) = f2(Q)

 Pressure Losses in Well System
P4 = (Pwh - Psep)
Gas
Sales line
Pwh Psep Liquid
Stock tank

P1 = Pr - Pwfs = Loss in reservoir

P3 = Pwf - Pwh P2 = Pwfs - Pwf = Loss across completion
P3 = Pwf - Pwh = Loss in tubing
P4 = Pwh - Psep = Loss in flowline
PT = Pr - Psep = Total pressure loss

Pwf Pwfs Pr Pe

P1 = (Pr - Pwfs)

P2 = (Pwfs - Pwf)
 Solution Node at BHFP
P4 = (Pwh - Psep)
Gas
Sales line
Pwh Psep Liquid
Stock tank

P1 = Pr - Pwfs = Loss in reservoir

P3 = Pwf - Pwh P2 = Pwfs - Pwf = Loss across completion
P3 = Pwf - Pwh = Loss in tubing
P4 = Pwh - Psep = Loss in flowline
PT = Pr - Psep = Total pressure loss

Pwf Pwfs Pr Pe

P1 = (Pr - Pwfs)

P2 = (Pwfs - Pwf)
 Inflow Performance Curve
3500
Inflow (Reservoir) Curve
3000
Flowing bottomhole pressure, psi

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500
Production rate, STB/D
 Outflow Performance Curve
3500

Outflow (Tubing) Curve

3000
Flowing bottomhole pressure, psi

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500
Production rate, STB/D
 System Graph-BHFP Node
3500
Inflow (Reservoir) Curve
3000 Outflow (Tubing) Curve
Flowing bottomhole pressure, psi

2500
1957.1 psi

2000

1500

1000

500
2111 STB/D

0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500
Production rate, STB/D
 Solution Node at Wellhead
P4 = (Pwh - Psep)
Gas
Sales line
Pwh Psep Liquid
Stock tank

P1 = Pr - Pwfs = Loss in reservoir

P3 = Pwf - Pwh P2 = Pwfs - Pwf = Loss across completion
P3 = Pwf - Pwh = Loss in tubing
P4 = Pwh - Psep = Loss in flowline
PT = Pr - Psep = Total pressure loss

Pwf Pwfs Pr Pe

P1 = (Pr - Pwfs)

P2 = (Pwfs - Pwf)
 System Graph - Wellhead Node
1600
Inflow Curve
1400 Outflow Curve
Flowing wellhead pressure, psi

1200

1000

800
500 psi
600

400

200 2050 STB/D

0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Production rate, STB/D
 Now, What can be done to
improve the flow rate?
• What pressure drops or back pressures are the
highest?
– Gradient of the fluid at 2600 psi
– Sales line back pressure at 1000 psi
– Flowing pressure drop at 150 psi
– Choke at 100 psi

• Which of these can be changed with the maximum

economic impact?
 What are the remedial actions?
• Gradient of the fluid: LIFT

• Sales line back pressure: Larger line?

• Flowing pressure drop: Larger tubing or lower

friction pressure

• Choke: why is a choke needed?

 Pressure versus Depth for
various Artificial Lift Methods
Natural Flow Pressure vs Depth
Gas Lift Pressure vs Depth
Pump Pressure vs Depth
 Effect of Skin on IPR
Inflow
(IPR)
Pressure at Node

Outflow

SKIN
10 5 0 -1 -3

Flowrate
Effect of Pressure Depletion on IPR
Reservoir with no pressure support

Decreasing reservoir pressure

Pressure at Node

Inflow
Outflow

Flowrate
Effect of Tubing Size on Outflow

Inflow
(IPR)
Pressure at Node

Outflow

2 3/8” 2 7/8”

3 1/2”

4 1/2”

Flowrate (stb/d)
 Effect of Tubing Size on Outflow

Pr d1
BOTTOMHOLE FLOWING PRESSURE, Pwf

d2>d1

INFLOW
IPR

OUTFLOW

0
0
FLOWRATE, Q
Effect of Tubing size on Outflow
Effect of Tubing size on Outflow
FINDING OPTIMUM TUBING SIZE

FLOW RATE, Q

UNSTABLE REGION

DIAMETER FOR
MAXIMUM FLOW RATE

TUBING DIAMETER, d
Effect of Tubing size on Outflow
 Effect of Minimizing Flow
Restrictionsin Reservoir & Tubing
d1
Pr
BOTTOMOLE FLOWING PRESSURE, Pwf

2*
WELL WITHOUT SKIN EFFECT
d2>d1
1

WELL WITH
SKIN EFFECT

2**

0
0 PRODUCTION INCREASE

FLOW RATE, Q
 Gas Lift Well Performance
BOTTOM HOLE FLOWING PRESSURE, Pwf

LIQUID PRODUCTION RATE, QL

Maximum liquid production
Pr Excessive GLR

Inflow Performance
IPR

Available gas Economic Optimum

volume

LIQUID PRODUCTION RATE, QL GAS INJECTION RATE, Qgi

(a) Gas lift well analysis (b) Effect of gas injection rate
Effect of Water cut %
Effect of Water cut %
Effect of Water cut %
Effect of Tubing size & skin
Well Restricted by Piping System &
Near Wellbore Skin Effect
BOTTOM HOLE FLOWING PRESSURE, Pwf

Pr

2 OUTFLOW

1
4

INFLOW
3

0
0
FLOW RATE, Q
Effect of Perforation Density on Inflow

N = NUMBER OF PERFORATIONS PER FOOT

BOTTOMHOLE FLOWING PRESSURE, Pwf

Pr
INFLOW
OUTFLOW
N3>N2

N1

N2>N1

0
0
FLOWRATE, Q
Effect of Perforation Density on Inflow
Effect of Perforation Diamtere on Inflow
Effect of Perforation Density
on Flow Rate
FLOWRATE, Q

NUMBER OF PERFORATIONS PER FOOT, N

Effect of Well Head Pressure on Inflow
Procedures for Nodal Analysis
Application
1. Determine which components in the system
can be changed.
2. Select one component to be optimized.
3. Select the node location.
4. Develop expressions for the inflow and
outflow.
5. Obtain required data to calculate the
pressure drop versus flow rate fall components.
Procedures for Nodal Analysis
Application
6. Determine the effect of changing the
characteristics of the selected component by
plotting inflow versus outflow and read in the
intersection.
7. Repeat the procedure for each component
that is to be optimized.
Case History
Nodal Analysis Focused on Artificial Lift

GAS LIFT
BOTTOMHOLE FLOWING PRESSURE, Pwf

Pr

ELECTRICAL SUBMERSIBLE
1 PUMP (ESP)

BUBBLE PRESSURE
Pb

Pwf ESP Failed Due To

2
Excessive Gas Rate
Pwf<<<<pb
0
0 PRODUCTION
INCREASE
FLOW RATE, Q
Nodal Analysis Focused on Artificial Lift

GAS LIFT
BOTTOMHOLE FLOWING PRESSURE, Pwf

Pr
IPR Improved By
Reperforation +
Stimulation Job
ELECTRICAL SUBMERSIBLE
1 PUMP (ESP)

3 ZERO GAS IN
THE PUMP
Pwf > Pb
BUBBLE PRESSURE
Pb
WELL WITH A
VERY STRONG
SKIN EFFECT 2

0
0 PRODUCTION INCREASE

FLOW RATE, Q
 Analyzing Multiwell Systems
A change made in any component in the system would
affect the producing capacity of the total system, Some
of the changes that could be considered are:
•Working over individual wells
•Placing some wells on artificial lift
•Add new wells
•Shutting in some of the existing wells
•Changes in producing characteristics with time
•Effect of surface line sizes
•Installation of pumps or compressors
•Effect of the final outlet pressure
 Analyzing Multiwell Systems

Pwf1

PA System
Q1 Capacity
Well 1
A B
QA=Q1+Q2+Q3

Well 2

Pwf2

Q2 Well 3
Pwf3

Q3
 Gas Lift and Optimization

• A gas-lift system provides

production energy by injecting
gas into the production fluid
column, thereby reducing the
hydrostatic pressure and
enabling improved reservoir
production.
 Optimizing Individual Wells
A - Point of

•
diminishing physical
return Divide the lift gas supply into discrete
Minimum economic gradient increments of uniform size
• Examine effect of increasing lift gas to
each well by one increment. Calculate
Oil Production Rate, Qo

Operating Point B - Point of

diminishing economic
return
the well’s weighted incremental
Incremental
gradient
Decremental

•
gradient
gradient
Examine effect of reducing lift gas to
each well by one increment. Calculate
the well’s weighted decremental
gradient
• Add lift gas to the well as long as its
Qg1 Qg2 Qg3 Qg4 weighted incremental gradient > the
Lift Gas Injection Rate, Qg minimum economic gradient
Pipesim 2014
 PIPESIM
• Well design, production performance analysis,
pipeline and facilities design and network
analysis software.
 Introduction

• PIPESIM is a steady-state multiphase flow simulator

that models black oil and compositional fluid flow.

• PIPESIM is a steady-state multiphase network solver

that rigorously perform heat transfer calculations.
 Introduction
• PIPESIM performs simultaneous pressure and
temperature calculations. It has three fundamental
iteration options (with inlet temperature always
defined):
• Non-Iterative
Pin and Qin known, calculate Pout
• Iterate on Pressure
Qin and Pout known, calculate Pin
• Iterate on Flow rate
Pin and Pout known, calculate Qin
 Introduction
• Solution computed in flow direction

• Each pipeline is divided into a number of segments

determined automatically

• Pressure and energy balances in each segment

• Fluid physical properties are calculated at averaged

conditions across each segment
 Using Pipesim
• Pipesim has a PVT section which can generates fluid
properties using standard correlations and allows
them to be modified to better fit measured lab data.

• Pipesim can be used to model reservoir inflow

performance (IPR) and highly deviated completions,
optimizing all aspects of a completion design
including perforation details, hydraulic fracture and
gravel packing.
 Using Pipesim
• Pipesim can be used to accurately predict both
pressure and temperature profiles in producing wells
and along surface flow lines.

• Pipesim sensitivity calculations easily allow the

engineer to model and optimize tubing, choke and
surface flow line performance.

• Pipesim can be used to design, optimize and

troubleshoot gas lifted, ESP equipped wells.
 Using Pipesim
• Pipesim can be used to predict flow rates given the
choke size, or the choke size for a specified
production rate and of course, the pressure drop
across a known choke at a specified rate.

• Pipesim can use multiphase flow correlations which

have been adjusted to match measured field data to
generate vertical lift performance curves (VLP) for
use in simulators and network models.
 Using Pipesim
• Pipesim can be used in a matching or predictive
mode. Matching of real data is available in the PVT,
IPR, Gradient matching and VLP matching sections.

• In matching mode, real data can be entered and

matched using nonlinear regression methods to
create custom correlations that fit the input data.

• In sensitivity mode, the correlations created can be

used to make estimates of future well performance.
 Using Pipesim

• Pipesim can analysis a network of several wells and

surface equipment to predict each well performance
and the impact of the planned surface equipment.
 Why important ?
• To predict production rates

• To decide on mechanical details of the well

• To decide on mechanical details of the surface

system

• To assess the effect of changes in the system on

production rate
 Main PIPESIM Operations
• Pressure, Temperature Profile Operation (Pin,Pout,Q)
• System Analysis Operation (Calculated Variable vs. x-
axis sensitivity variable)
• Flow Correlation Matching
• Nodal Analysis
• Well Performance Curve
• Artificial Lift Performance
Software Interface
 Software Interface
• Startup Options:

1. Create a new network-centric or well-centric

workspace.
2. Open existing ones.
 Software Interface
• Workspace Tab Options:

Save, Save as, open, help, options and exit.

• Options: Opens the Options window where you can

configure unit systems.
Network-Centric
Workspace
 Network-Centric Workspace
• Home items:

1. Network Simulation
2. Simulation settings
3. Fluid Manager
4. Flow Line manger
 Network-Centric Workspace
• Network Simulation

To perform the simulation for the entire network.

 Network-Centric Workspace
• Simulation settings

To choose the flow correlation and the heat transfer

model and the U value multiplier (Multiplier for user
entered U-values in heat loss calculations. This is
particularly useful when performing a temperature
match. The default value is 1).
 Network-Centric Workspace
• Fluid Manager

To select the fluid model type ( black oil or

compositional) and enter all the fluid and the PVT data.
 Network-Centric Workspace
• Flow Line manger

To enter, edit the data of the entire risers and flow

lines.
 Software Interface
• Major Inputs:

• Wells
• Sinks
• Connections
• Junctions
• Equipment
• Fluids
Well-Centric Workspace
 Well-Centric Workspace
• Home items:

1. P/T Profile
2. Nodal analysis
3. System analysis
4. VFP tables
5. ESP design
6. Simulation settings
7. Fluid Manager
 Well-Centric Workspace
• P/T Profile:

An important operation that give the pressure and

temperature profile for the system at specified
boundary and outlet pressure with sensitivity option.
 Well-Centric Workspace
• Nodal analysis

An important operation that give the operating

condition at specified node and outlet pressure with
sensitivity option.
 Well-Centric Workspace
• System analysis

Run a system analysis at specified boundary and outlet

pressure with several sensitive's option.
 Well-Centric Workspace
• VFP tables

To generate data from specified reservoir simulation

programs.
 Well-Centric Workspace
• ESP design

To perform ESP design for the inserted well’s data.

 Well-Centric Workspace
• Simulation settings

To choose the flow correlation and the heat transfer

model and the U value multiplier (Multiplier for user
entered U-values in heat loss calculations. This is
particularly useful when performing a temperature
match. The default value is 1).
 Well-Centric Workspace
• Fluid Manager

To select the fluid model type ( black oil or

compositional) and enter all the fluid and the PVT data.
 Well-Centric Workspace
• Insert Item:

Consist all the tools that will be used in the well model
like: tubing, casing, node, connector, flow line, choke,
……
Building a single well model
 Building a single well model

• Define objects in the model, i.e. well completion, tubing,

etc using the toolbox

• Enter physical data, i.e. tubing ID, etc.

• Enter fluid data: black oil/compositional

• Set boundary conditions

• Select an operation
 Building a single well model

• General tab:

define the well type, its status, and the flow direction.
Check valve setting: Models a check valve for the well
and therefore controls the direction of the flow.
Block reverse (The most common setting, Block
reverse, ensures that flow is always as intended; i.e.,
upward for a production well and downward for an
injection well).
 Building a single well model
• Adding Tubular Data(Tubing and casing data)
• Adding a Deviation Survey (Vertical, 2D)(depth
reference types..)
• Adding Down-hole Equipment (Packer)
• Adding Artificial Lift (GL, ESP,….)
• Adding Heat Transfer Data (U value or heat transfer
coefficient).
• Completions (reservoir data and create the IPR
model)
• Surface equipment (choke, low line,…)
 Building a single well model

• Main Required data:

1-Reservoir data to create the IPR.

2- Casing and tubing data.
3-Deviation survey.
4-Downhole equipment.
5-PVT Data.
6-Measured data (pressure, temperature and test
data).
Oil well Performance analysis
 Tubing Data
• Well Tubing Details
• Depth (TVD / MD)
• Detailed Profile Data
• Tubing ID’s - can be changed at any point along the
tubing
• Artificial Lift: Gas Lift, ESP etc.
• Tubing/annular/combined flow
• Ambient temperature profile
 Flow line, Tubing Heat transfer
• Energy balance for each segment
• Heat enters
• with flowing fluid
• through pipe wall
Two options:
• User specified overall U-value
• User supplied pipe coating information
 Heat transfer
• U-values - Overall heat transfer coefficient relative to
the pipe outside diameter (OD)

Defaults
• Insulated pipe 0.2 BTU/hr/ft2/F
• Coated 2.0 BTU/hr/ft2/F
• Bare (in Air) 20 BTU/hr/ft2/F
• Bare (in Water) 200 BTU/hr/ft2/F
 Heat transfer
• Overall heat transfer coefficient can be calculated
from the user supplied data
• User can supply up to 4 coatings on the pipe w
Thickness, Thermal Conductivity
• Also specify:
Pipe thermal conductivity
Burial depth
Ground thermal conductivity
Ambient air/water velocity
Well Name, Direction
Casing and tubing Data
Deviation Survey
 New Well Data Input
• Notes:

The deepest point in the system should be covered by

the deviation data, Why…???
Well View
Well View
Well View
Well View
Completions (Reservoir data)
(linked to types of IPR …….)
Inflow Performance
 Inflow performance relationships
• Oil Reservoirs: • Gas and Gas
Condensate Reservoirs:
– Well Productivity Index – Well Productivity Index
– Vogel Equation – Back Pressure Equation
– Fetkovich Equation – Jones Equation
– Jones Equation – Pseudo-Steady-State Equation
– Pseudo-Steady-State Equation – Hydraulic Fracture
– Hydraulic Fracture
– Forcheimer
– Transient
– Transient
 Well productivity index (PI)
– For Liquid
Q = PI x (Pws - Pwf)

– For gas compressible reservoirs

Q = PI x (Pws2 - Pwf2)

where, Pws = static reservoir pressure

Pwf = flowing bottom-hole pressure
Q = flowrate
The Productivity Index (PI) Concept
• J = is the production rate divided by the draw-down

• the inflow equation is :

 Vogel’s equation
• Empirical relationship for fluid below bubble point
pressure:

q/qmax = 1 - (1 - C)(Pwf/Pws) - C(Pwf/Pws)2

where, C = PI Coefficient, normal value is 0.8

qmax = Absolute Open Hole Potential

Pws = Static Reservoir Pressure
Pwf = Bottom Hole Flowing Pressure
 Vogel’s Equation
• Vogel pointed out that in most applications of his
method the error in the predicted inflow rate should
be less than 10%, but could increase to 20 % during
the final stages of depletion.

• Errors made by assuming a constant J were found to

produce errors on the order of 70% to 80% at low
values of Pwf.
 Vogel’s Equation
• It has also been shown that Vogel’s method can be
applied to wells producing water along with the oil
and gas, since the increased gas saturation will also
reduce the permeability to water.
• Therefore the ratio qo/qomax can be replaced by
ql/qlmax.
• Application of Vogel’s method is almost as simple as
the constant J method in that only one actual well
test is required.
 Fetkovich’s equation
• Alternative to Vogel’s equation
• Empirical correlation
q / qmax = [ 1 - ( Pwf / Pr )2 ] n

• The lower the value of n, the greater the degree of

turbulence (0.5)
 Fetkovitch’s equation
• The value of n ranged from 0.568 to 1 for the 40 field
tests analysed by Fetkovitch.

• As they are two unknowns at least two tests are

required to evaluate C and n assuming Pr is known.
 Jones equation
• Gas and saturated oil reservoirs
• Equations:
Gas: (P2) = AQ + BQ2
Oil: (P) = AQ + BQ2
where
A : Laminar flow coefficient (Darcy)
B : Turbulent flow coefficient (Non Darcy)
• Also known as “Forcheimer equation”
 Back pressure equation
• For gas wells
Q = C (Pws2 - Pwf2)n

• Schellhardt & Rawlins empirical equation

• Normally, 0.5 < n < 1.0
 Pseudo - steady - state equation
• Oil and gas reservoirs
• Darcy equation
• Parameters used in equation :
– Permeability
– Thickness
– Radius (reservoir external drainage) / Area / Shape
– Skin (dimensionless skin factor)
– Wellbore diameter
• Gas well: laminar and turbulent flow
• Oil well: laminar flow
 Reservoir Flow
1. Transient Flow:
dP/dt # Constant
“Early” time of production

1. Pseudo Steady State Flow:

dP/dt = Constant
Rate of pressure decline is constant

1. Steady State Flow:

dP/dt = 0
Pressure at the outer boundary stays constant
 Wellbore Skin Effect
Positive Skin Effect:

-damage to the natural reservoir permeability

-partial completion (distortion of flow lines)
-perforations skin (distortion of flow lines)
-phase changes (relative permeability reduction to
the main fluid)
 Wellbore Skin Effect
• Negative Skin Effect:
– a highly deviated well
– matrix stimulation
– hydraulic fracturing

• turbulence (rate dependent)

 Wellbore Skin Effect
• Partial Completion Skin

CAP ROCK
h
p
h FLOWLINES

BASE ROCK
 Wellbore Skin Effect
• Phase-dependent skin effect (I)
is associated with phase changes because of the near-wellbore
pressure gradient.

–in oil wells, if the flowing bottomhole pressure is below

the bubble-point pressure, then a gas saturation will form,
causing a reduction in the effective permeability to oil,
even if the gas phase is not mobile.

–in gas condensate reservoir, liquid is formed around

the well (wet foot effects), causing a reduction in the
gas permeability.
 Wellbore Skins
Total Skin :
S tot  S   S c  S p  S dp  S d   pskins
where:
S = skin effect due to slant (deviation)
Sc = partial completion skin effect
Sp = perforation skin effect:- resistance to inflow through
perforations
Sdp= perforation damage effect: crushed zone around each
perforation.
Sd = damage skin effect: drilling, completion, production phases.
pskins = pseudo skins : phase- and rate-dependent effects
Nodal Analysis
 Nodal Analysis
• Nodal Analysis: Is an analytical technique that allows
determining the well’s productive capacity at a
certain point or “node” of its configuration.

• The nodal analysis procedure consists of selecting a

division point or node in the well and dividing the
system at this point to optimize performance in the
most economical manner.
 Nodal Analysis
• Many factors are used to maximize production from
discovery wells to those ready to be abandoned,
including: establishing a relationship between flow
rate and pressure drop within each component in the
system; using gradient correlations and selection
procedures; and deciding when to use artificial lift to
maintain a required production rate.
 Production optimization using
nodal analysis
1. Increasing oil production using the currently available
lift gas.

a. Immediate Oil Gain From Gas Lift Valve Change-outs by either:

• Changing point of injection (POI).
• Eliminating multi-point injection.
b. Optimizing currently flowing wells by Re-distributing injection rate to
optimum taking into consideration the current lift gas capacity
available in the field.
c. Lift gas savings by investigation & monitoring well parameters and well
performance.

2. Review the current gas lift operational & design

practices, and suggest improvement.
Well Model Construction
 Reservoir Model

PR
Pressure

Pwf
Psi

Flow rate
bbl
Fluid Model
 Well configuration
Deviation survey Geothermal Survey

Tubing Configuration Downhole Equipment

Flow Correlation Matching
 Applications
- Tubing size determination
- Choke size
- Separator pressure
- Lift performance (GL or pump)
- Liquid loading
- Stimulation response
- Completion Options (Open hole/cased hole)
 Effect of GLR

• Different effects on two components of ∆P

- Increasing GLR lightens the mixture density and
reduces the pressure loss due to hydrostatic

• Further increase results in higher ∆P due to friction

Effect of GLR
 Effect of Tubing size
• At low flow rates and low GLRs the smaller tubing
sizes are more efficient.
• This is due to the fact that slug and annular flow
may occur in the smaller-diameter tubing while at
the same GLR, bubble flow may still be dominant in
the larger diameter tubing.
• As the GLR increases the larger tubing sizes gradually
take over from the smaller as the more efficient
because the high total volume throughput results in
large resistance losses in the small strings.
 Effect of Tubing size
• Increase in tubing size increases natural flow

• After a critical diameter the trend reverses - higher

gravity loss, hold up forces
Effect of Tubing Size
Tubing size
Choke size
GL Response
PVT Data (Fluid Data)
 Fluid modeling - alternatives
• Black oil method:
– Uses published black oil correlations to determine
fluid physical properties

• Compositional method:
– Equation of state modeling with pure library
components and composite petroleum fractions
Typical Dry and Wet Gas
Composition
 Why is it important to know about the 5
reservoir fluids and their phase behavior ?
• Production of each fluid requires different
engineering techniques.

• Each of the 5 fluids can be described using a

compositional model.

• Only a Black Oil Fluid, Dry Gas and Water can be

correctly described using a Black Oil Model.

• Using the incorrect model will result in incorrect

pressure drop and rate calculations.
Black Oil Modelling
 Black Oil Modeling
• Valid for fluids with stock tank gas/oil ratios (GOR)
less than 1,700 scf/STB

• Empirical correlations used to determine derived

properties (solution gas, Rs,, and oil formation
volume factor , OFVF)

• Derived properties used to calculate fluid physical

properties such as oil density and oil viscosity.
 Essential Black Oil Input Data
• Water cut (or WGR for gas systems)

• Stock tank GOR (or OGR for gas systems)

• Stock tank gas specific gravity

• Stock tank water specific gravity

• Oil API gravity (or dead oil density)

Black Oil Modelling
 Black Oil Modelling
• Generally Valid for fluids with stock tank GOR < 1,700
scf/STB
• Empirical correlations used to determine derived
properties (Rs , Bo)
 Black Oil Modelling
• Derived properties used to calculate fluid physical
properties such as oil density and oil viscosity.
Fluid Data (Types, availability,
calibration,......)
 Definitions
• Calculated black oil fluid physical properties

(o,w,g) oil, water & gas densities

 interfacial tension
z gas compressibility
 (o,w,g) oil, water & gas viscosities
 Derivation of solution gas (Rs)
• GOR by Lasater  GOR by Vasquez and
Beggs
82. < Temperature( F)
70. < Temperature( F)
<272. <295.
3. < Solutions GOR at Pb< 20. < Solutions GOR at
2905. Pb< 2070.
17.9 < API < 51.1 16. < API < 58.
0.574 < Gamma Gas < 0.56 < Gamma Gas < 1.18
1.223
 Derivation of OFVF (Bo)

• Below bubble point pressure, BO increases with

increasing pressure (oil dissolving).

– Use Standing equation for API < 15°

– Use Vasquez & Beggs equation for API > 15°
 PVT Data calibration
Calibrate the black oil fluid correlations using
laboratory data to improve modeling accuracy:

• To increase the accuracy of fluid property

calculations, PIPESIM provides functionality to match
PVT fluid properties with laboratory data.
• Calibration of these properties can greatly increase
the accuracy of the correlations over the range of
pressures and temperatures for the system being
modeled.
 PVT Data calibration

• For example, calibration of the bubble point pressure

can result in the initial appearance of gas at a depth,
hundreds or even thousands of feet shallower or
deeper than in an un-calibrated model.

• This will result in a significantly different mixture

fluid density and, thus, a vastly different elevation
pressure gradient.
 PVT Data calibration
• Likewise, calibration of the fluid viscosity can
drastically improve the calculation of the frictional
pressure gradient, especially in heavy oils and
emulsions.

• After the calibration is performed, a calibration

factor is calculated as the ratio of the measured
value to the value calculated by the selected
correlation for the PVT property.
Optional black oil calibration data
 Notes
• PIPESIM simulation results can be further improved
by calibrating the multiphase flow correlations
(horizontal and vertical) with measured flowing
pressure and temperature data, for instance from a
flowing gradient survey.

• A flowing gradient survey is a measurement of the

flowing pressure and temperature distribution with
depth for a tubing (as depicted in the figure below),
or with length for a flow line, while producing or
injecting at a constant, stabilized rate.
 Notes
• Flowing gradient surveys for wells are done using
wire line/slick line tools. Other measurements such
as the rate, wellhead pressure and phase ratios such
as water cut and GOR are also recorded during the
survey.

• The result of these measurements for a well, is a plot

of flowing fluid pressure and temperature versus
vertical depth.
 Notes
• PIPESIM provides the functionality to calibrate the
multiphase flow correlations to match these
measured flowing pressure and temperature profiles.

• For the flowing pressure calibration, PIPESIM

performs a regression by tuning multipliers of the
friction and holdup terms of the pressure drop
equation, to minimize error between the measured
and predicted pressure values (the predicted values
are from the multiphase flow correlations).
 Notes
• The flowing temperature calibration is done by
tuning the overall heat transfer coefficient (U-value)
to minimize the error between the measured flowing
temperatures and the predicted temperatures.

• This feature is currently available only in the Classic

PIPESIM version (2012 and older) but will be
introduced to the newer PIPESIM versions.
Compositional Modelling
 Compositional Modeling

• Uses “Multiflash”
• Equation of state modeling
• Used for volatile or gas condensate systems
• Includes hydrate
• Phase envelopes

Will be discussed in the gas wells modeling.

Flow Correlations
 Flow Correlations

• Flow correlations (Experience, history matching,

types of correlations, matching with measured data
with old versions …………)

• Adjusting of heat transfer factor in old versions)

 Output data
• What is the difference between P/T profiles and
Nodal analysis operations?

• What the requirement to perform Nodal analysis

operation?

• What is node and how many nodes in the system?

• What is the system boundaries?

 Pressure/Temperature Profile
• Compute the pressure and temperature profile for a
system and also vary some other parameters within
system
• Enter sensitivity variable
• Enter boundary conditions
• Resulting PSPLOT shows pressure or temperature
against depth (well) or elevation (flow line).
• Can plot measured data also.
 System analysis
• Set up multiple sensitivity operation.

• Set up System Analysis Plot :

– Specify calculated variable.
– Select X axis variable.
– Select any number of sensitivity variables (Z-axis
variables).
 Nodal analysis
• Classical nodal analysis at any point (insert NA point
in the model).

• Break the system into two and compute the inflow

and outflow around that point.

• Resulting PLOT shows the classical inflow/outflow

curves.
P/T Profile
Output Chart
 Questions
• What is the meaning of the previous profile?

• Could you draw different profiles to different wells

(natural flow well, gas lift well, ESP well)?
 Questions
• What is the main (unknown) factors that will effect in
matching:
• IPR factors : P.R, P.I, GOR, W.C, Fluid properties,….
• VLP factors : GLR, Tubing size, WHP, Roughness,…….
Sensitizing on the Well PI to Match
Well Performance
Analyze Water Cut Sensitivity
 Exercise
Exercise No1:
• Input data are
• Apply these rules on software.

Exercise No2:
• ESP design and troubleshooting.
Task 1: Build the Well Model
 Casing Catalogs
• In the Casing catalog, go to the Outside Diameter
(OD) column and select Greater than from the
option list and type in a value of eight (8) in the text
field to filter the catalog to display only casings with
an OD greater than 8 in, as next.
Add Tubing
 Deviation survey
• On the Deviation survey tab, change the Survey type
to 2D. Make sure the Angle is selected as the
Dependent parameter, then enter the MD and TVD
values for a 2D survey
Heat Transfer
 Completions tab
• Note: The IPR plot will not display because no fluid
has been defined yet.
Fluid model
 Notes
• The dynamic well schematic diagram on the left
represents the wellbore configuration up to this
point. The green flow lines represent fluid flow
paths. The current well configuration indicates a dual
flow path, supporting the simultaneous flow of fluid
up the tubing and annulus.
 Notes
• In the next step, you will restrict fluid flow to the
tubing only, by adding a packer. You will end up with
the well schematic on the right.

• On the Down hole equipment tab, add a Packer at

8,500 ft to prevent flow up the annulus between the
tubing and casing.
 Choose the flow correlation

• On the Home tab, select Simulation settings and

ensure that the Hagedorn-Brown correlation for
vertical multiphase flow and the Beggs & Brill
Revised correlation for horizontal multiphase flow,
are selected.
Perform a NODAL Analysis
 Generate a Pressure/Temperature
Profile
• The Nodal Analysis task generates System plots,
which are displayed on the System results tab, and
Profile plots for each operating point, which are
displayed on the Profile results tab.

• However, you can also generate profile plots using

the P/T Profile (Pressure/Temperature) task.
 Generate a Pressure/Temperature
Profile

• The advantage of the P/T Profile task over the

Nodal analysis task for this purpose, is that you may
calculate boundary pressures by supplying a rate.
 Notes
• Inlet and outlet pressure always refer to the
boundaries of the system. In this case, the inlet
pressure is the reservoir pressure, while the outlet
pressure corresponds to the wellhead pressure.

• The inlet pressure is automatically populated from

the completion or source level, while the outlet
pressure is always specified manually within the task.
Fluid Calibration
The fluid model is now calibrated
Sensitizing on the Well PI to Match
Well Performance
1. Launch the P/T profile task from the Home tab.
2. Select Custom as the Calculated Variable.
3. Choose Completion as the Object from the options
list.
4. Choose Liquid PI as the Variable from the options list
and enter a range of 5 to 10 stb/d.psi.
Sensitizing on the Well PI to Match
Well Performance
5. Leave the Proportionality set to the default, Direct.
Make sure the inlet and wellhead
pressures are still set to 3600 psi and 300 psi
respectively.
Sensitizing on the Well PI to Match
Well Performance
6. Enter the well test rate of 9000 stb/d as the Liquid
flow rate.
7.Click Run to launch the task. Determine the Liquid PI
value that matches the well test results and compare it
to the answer(P.I 9.375 stb/d/psi).
8. Update the PI value in the Completion tab of the well
with the new matched value.
9. Rerun the Nodal analysis task to determine the new
AOFP of the well.
 Analyze Water Cut Sensitivity
• Select System analysis from the Home tab.
• Select Liquid flow rate as the Calculated variable and
enter 300 psi as the Outlet Pressure (the required
minimum wellhead pressure).
• For the X-Axis , select Completion as the object, and
Water cut as the variable.
• Click Range to open the dialog box and configure
water cut values of 40% to 80% in increments of 5%.
 Analyze Water Cut Sensitivity
• Run the task to generate a plot of calculated liquid
rate vs. water cut. You will notice that the plot
terminates at 70% and not the maximum water cut
value of 80% that was entered.
• This is the hydraulic limit for this well. Beyond a
water cut of approximately 70%, the well will be
unable to flow naturally and dies.
• Rerun the System analysis task using more closely
spaced water cut sensitivity values(between 70% and
75%), to narrow in on a more exact value of the
water cut limit.
 Nodal Analysis Approach
• Launch the Nodal analysis task.
• Click the Sensitivities tab and select Completion as
the Inflow Sensitivity object.
• Select Water cut as the sensitivity variable and enter
a range of water cuts from 40 % to 80 % in
increments of 5 % (follow the same procedure as in
the previous System analysis task).
 Nodal Analysis approach
• Run the task and identify the water cut limit for the
well in the Systems plot. You will notice that similar
to the System analysis task, there are no Outflow
curves for water cuts greater than 70%, confirming
that this is the water cut limit for this well to flow
naturally.
 Notes
You can zoom in on an area of interest in a plot by
using your mouse to draw a rectangle over it starting
from the top-left to the bottom-right, as indicated in
the figure below. Do the reverse to un-zoom the plot.
 Evaluate Gas Lift Performance
• It has been established that the well will "die" or
stop flowing when the critical water cut limit of 71%
is reached.

• Click the Artificial lift tab of the Well editor and a Gas
lift injection point at 8000 ft.
 Evaluate Gas Lift Performance
• Launch the System analysis task. Delete the previous
water cut sensitivity values. Reconfigure the task to
calculate Liquid flow rate as a function of the
permuted variables; Gas lift injection rate on the X-
axis, and Water cut as shown in the figure below.

• Enter a range from 0 to 10 mmscf/d in 0.5 mmscf/d

increments for the gas lift injection rate, and water
cut values of 10%, 40% and 70%.
 Model Multiple Completions
• On the Artificial lift tab of the Well editor, delete or
deactivate the Gas lift injection point.

• On the Completions tab, add a second, shallower

completion at a depth of 8000 ft MD.

• For this upper gas zone, there is enough data

available to use the Darcy Pseudo-steady state
equation. Enter the following IPR data in the
Reservoir and Skin tabs
 Model Multiple Completions
• Click the Fluid model tab for the upper zone and
create a new fluid using the Dry gas template. Leave
all the default values for this template
 Model Multiple Completions
• You will observe that the well schematic diagram has
automatically been updated to reflect the new upper
zone completion that was added. However, the flow
path lines have now turned red, indicating that the
well is unsolvable in its current state.

• To resolve this problem, from the Down-hole

equipment tab, add a packer at 7000 ft. and then
add a sliding sleeve at 8000 ft. Make sure you check
the Active box for the sliding sleeve.
 Model Multiple Completions
• The equipment you just added ensures that the flow
from the upper zone is directed into the tubing
through the open sliding sleeve.

• To analyze the effect of perforating the upper zone

(compared with gas lift injection), run a P/T Profile
task to calculate the liquid flow rate with a water cut
of 10 % from the lower oil completion.
 Model Multiple Completions
• Note: The problem with self-lifting the well, as compared to
gas lift injection is; if there is no flow control valve, there will
be no way to regulate the amount of gas from the upper zone.
This ability to regulate the flow will be critical to optimize the
production rate, as conditions change in the well.
Model a Downhole Choke
 Model a Downhole Choke
• Launch the System analysis task and delete all the
previous sensitivity values.
• Select Liquid flow rate as the Calculated Variable.
• Select Choke as the sensitivity object and Bean size
(the orifice size) as the sensitivity variable on the X-
axis.
• Enter a range of bean sizes from 0.5 to 3.5 inches in
0.25 inch increments and run.
• You should get the next plot
 Steps and Example of PVT
Calibration

• Apply the PVT data calibration on the oil well

Example and see the effect.
Flow Correlation Selection And
SFPT Surveys
 Pressure temperature surveys
Design, Operation and Analysis
• Review a SFPT and PBU survey program and detailed
steps.

• Flowing survey:
1- to have the flowing gradient of the well for matching.
2- check point of injection for the gas lift wells.
3- measure Pwf at specific rate to measure the
productivity index.
 Pressure temperature surveys
Design, Operation and Analysis
• Static survey:
1- to have the reservoir pressure.
2- measure the SLL and detect oil gradient.

PBU survey:
1- to know the effective permeability.
2- to reach or simulate model to calculate the reservoir
pressure.
3- to calculate the skin.
 Notes
• The flowing condition must be taken at stable
condition.
• The well should be totally isolated during the PBU
survey.
• The depth of the gauges must be correlated.
• The shut-in time must be enough to exceed the well
bore storage effect.
• All depths must be converted to TVD for pressure
calculations.
 Analysis Results
(Static Pressure Plot)
Pressure(psi)
0 250 500 750 1000 1250 1500 1750 2000 2250 2500 2750 3000 3250 3500 3750 4000 4250 4500
0
400
800 y = 461.6x - 86592
1200
1600
2000
2400
2800
3200
3600
4000
4400
Depth ft-TVD-ss

4800
5200
5600
6000
6400
6800
7200
7600
8000
8400
8800 1108.6x + 2.7426y =
9200
9600
10000
10400
10800
11200 Datum
11600
12000
 Analysis Results
(Flowing Pressure Plot)
Pressure(psi)
0 250 500 750 1000 1250 1500 1750 2000 2250 2500 2750 3000 3250 3500 3750 4000 4250 4500
0

2000 glv no.1

glv no.2

4000 glv no.3

Depth ft-TVD-ss

glv no.4

glv no.5
6000
glv no.6

glv no.7

8000 glv no.8

glv no.9

glv no.10
10000

Datum
12000
 Analysis Results
(Static-Flowing Pressure Plot)
Pressure(psi)
0 250 500 750 1000 1250 1500 1750 2000 2250 2500 2750 3000 3250 3500 3750 4000 4250 4500
0

2000 glv no.1

glv no.2
4000 glv no.3

glv no.4
Depth ft-TVD-ss

glv no.5
6000
glv no.6
glv no.7
8000 glv no.8
glv no.9
glv no.10
10000

Datum
12000
 Analysis Results
(Static Temperature Plot)
Teperature (ºF)
60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 280 300
0

2000 glv no.1

glv no.2

4000 glv no.3

Depth ft-TVD-ss

glv no.4

glv no.5
6000
glv no.6

glv no.7

8000 glv no.8

glv no.9

glv no.10
10000

Datum
12000
 Analysis Results
(Flowing Temperature Plot)
Teperature (ºF)
150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300
0

2000 glv no.1

glv no.2

4000 glv no.3

Depth ft-TVD-ss

glv no.4

glv no.5
6000
glv no.6

glv no.7

8000 glv no.8

glv no.9

glv no.10
10000

Datum
12000
 Analysis Results
(Static-Flowing Temperature Plot)
Teperature (ºF)
50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300
0

2000 glv no.1

glv no.2
4000 glv no.3
Depth ft-TVD-ss

glv no.4
glv no.5
6000
glv no.6

glv no.7

8000 glv no.8

glv no.9
glv no.10
10000

Datum
12000
Flow Theory
 Single Phase Flow Theory
• b) The Mechanical Energy Balance Equation:

• The equation is made up of 3 components:

1. Elevation component (80-95 % of the pressure
gradient in wells)
2. Acceleration component. (significant only if a
compressible phase exists at low pressure)
3. Friction component (100% of the pressure drop in
horizontal pipe)
 Single Phase Pressure Drop
• Elevation component zero for horizontal flow applies
for compressible or incompressible, steady or
transient, vertical or inclined for downward flow,
hydrostatic pressure increase.

• Acceleration component applies for all transient flow

zero for constant rate, incompressible flow non zero
for any flow condition where a velocity changes occur
(e.g compressible flow).

• Friction component applies for any type of flow, for

any angle causes a del P in the direction of flow.
 Single Phase Pressure Drop
• The Darcy-Weisbach equation and friction factors:

• Calculation of frictional pressure gradients requires

determining values for friction factors. The
procedure requires evaluating whether the flow is
laminar or turbulent.
 Single Phase Pressure Drop
• For Laminar flow (Re< 2000):

 Poiseuille Equation

• For turbulent flow (Re  4000)

 Colebrook Equation
• Solving the above equation requires a trial and error
process.
 Pipe roughness Typical values
Dependent factors:
(a) Material type
(b) Flowing fluids Type of Pipe Roughness (in)
• Corrosive Plastics, glass, etc 0.0
• Hydrates
New tubing or line pipe 0.0006
• Paraffin or asphaltene
deposits Commercial steel 0.0018
• Solids present Dirty well tubing 0.009
• Erosional velocities PIPESIM default 0.001
(c) Coatings
(d) Years in service
Moody Chart
 Multiphase Flow Theory
• Liquid Hold-Up:
• Liquid Hold-Up:
– Hold-up = 0  All gas flow.
– Hold-up = 1  All liquid flow.
• Gas Hold-Up: 1-Liquid Hold Up (1-HL)

• No-Slip Liquid Holdup (Input Liquid Content):

– Liquid Hold up if gas and liquid were
– traveling at the same velocity.
 Multiphase Flow Theory
• Slip and no-slip flows
 Velocity

Superficial velocity
- Gas superficial velocity
- Liquid superficial
velocity

Actual velocity

Two phase

Slip velocity
 Two-Phase Density
• Gas Density:

Oil Density:
Water Density.

q0 qo'  Bo
fo   '
q0  qw qo  Bo  qw'  Bw

 Two-Phase Density:
 Since ρG, ρO, VsG , VsL ,are dependent on pressure the pressure calculation
traverse is an iterative process. The PVT variables can be calculated using
using either a black oil model or a compositional model.
 Multiphase Flow Theory
• Modification of the pressure gradient equation for
two phase flow:
• Two Phase flow elevation change component:

Two-Phase flow friction losses component:

correlate two-phase friction factors with some form of a Reynolds

number.
 friction density is defined differently by different investigators
 Multiphase Flow Theory
A steady state multiphase flow correlation is a method
to predict:

• Liquid Hold-Up.
• Two-Phase friction factor.
 Empirical Vertical Correlations
• No Slip, No Flow regime consideration.
• The Mixture density is calculated based on input
GLR.
• Slip Considered, no Flow regime consideration.
• The same correlations for Liquid Hold-up and friction
factors are used for all flow regimes.
• (e.g Hagerdorn and Brown, Gray)
• Slip Considered, Flow regime considered.
• (e.g Duns and Ros, Orkiszewski)
Flow correlation matching
 Best Performing Correlations:
(Findings of Baker Jardine JIP, 1995)
• Single phase systems - Moody
• Oil wells - Hagedorn & Brown
• Gas/condensate wells - Hagedorn & Brown
• Oil pipelines - Oliemans
• Gas/condensate pipelines - BJA Correlation
 Flow correlation matching
• To determine the most suitable flow correlation
• Select the required flow correlations
• Enter measured pressure and temperature survey
data (FGS), through “MEASURED DATA”.
• Enter known boundary conditions
• Results show each correlation and the entered data
 Flow correlation Selection
• The model flow correlation must be matching the
current well condition to be trustable for predication
and sensitivity operations.
 Correlation Selection
• The Flow Correlation Comparison operation allows
users to compare various flow correlations with an
option of using measured data.

• The Data Matching operation has been specifically

developed to assist with this task of determining the
most suitable flow correlation from well test data
and calculating the friction and holdup multipliers to
achieve a best match.
 Two Types
• Data matching:
If measured pressure data is available, the Data
matching operation can be used to calculate friction
and holdup factors automatically.

• Flow Correlation comparison:

The Flow correlation comparison operation can be used
to compare different flow correlations with measured
data. Unlike the Data matching operation it does not
try to tune any parameters, so will be quicker to run.
 Suggested correlations
• Single phase system
Moody
• Vertical oil well
Hagedorn and Brown
• Highly deviated oil well
Hagedorn and Brown or Duns and Ros or OLGA-S
• Gas/condensate well
Hagedorn and Brown
• Oil pipelines
Oliemans
• Gas/condensate pipelines
BJA Correlation
 Famous Multiphase Flow
Correlations
• Beggs and Brill Original:
Was developed following a study of two-phase flow
in horizontal and inclined pipes. The correlation is
based upon a flow regime map which is first
determined as if the flow was horizontal. A horizontal
holdup is then calculated by correlations, and this
holdup is corrected for the angle of inclination.
 Famous Multiphase Flow
Correlations
• Beggs and Brill Revised:
REVISED: the revised version of the Beggs and Brill
correlation is used, with rough pipe friction factors,
holdup limits. The following enhancements to the
original method are used;
(1) an extra flow regime of froth flow is considered
which assumes a no-slip holdup,
(2) the friction factor is changed from the standard
smooth pipe model to use single phase friction factor
based on the avg. fluid velocity.
 Famous Multiphase Flow
Correlations
• Mukherjee and Brill:
The Mukherjee and Brill correlation is used for
Pressure loss, Holdup and Flow Map.
 Famous Multiphase Flow
Correlations
• NOSLIP Correlation:
The NOSLIP correlation assumes homogeneous flow
with no slip between the phases.
Fluid properties are taken as the average of the gas and
liquid phases and friction factors are calculated using
the single phase MOODY correlation.
 Famous Multiphase Flow
Correlations
• OLGA-S 2000 2-phase / OLGA-S 2000 3-phase:
The OLGA-S mechanistic models are applicable for
all inclination angles, pipe diameters and fluid
properties.
OLGA-S considers four flow regimes: stratified, annular,
slug and dispersed bubble flow; and uses a unique
minimum slip criteria to predict flow regime transitions.
 Famous Multiphase Flow
Correlations
• Oliemans:
The Oliemans correlation was developed following
the study of large diameter condensate pipelines.
 Famous Vertical Multiphase Flow
Correlations
• Ansari:
The Ansari mechanistic model was developed as
part of the Tulsa University Fluid Flow Projects (TUFFP)
research program. A comprehensive model was
formulated to predict flow patterns and the flow
characteristics of the predicted flow patterns for
upward two-phase flow.
 Famous Vertical Multiphase Flow
Correlations
• The comprehensive mechanistic model is composed
of a model for flow pattern prediction and a set of
independent models for predicting holdup and
pressure drop in bubble, slug, and annular flows. The
model was evaluated by using the TUFFP well
databank that is composed of 1775 well cases, with
371 of them from Prudhoe Bay data.
 Famous Vertical Multiphase Flow
Correlations
• Duns and Ros:
The Duns and Ros correlation is used for pressure
loss and holdup with flow regime determination. The
Duns and Ros correlation was developed for vertical
flow of gas and liquid mixtures in wells. Equations were
developed for each of three flow regions, (I) bubble,
plug and part of froth flow regimes, (II) remainder of
froth flow and slug flow regimes, (III) mist flow regime.
 Famous Vertical Multiphase Flow
Correlations
• These regions have low, intermediate and high gas
throughputs respectively. Each flow region has a
different holdup correlation. The equations were
based on extensive experimental work using oil and
air mixtures.
 Famous Vertical Multiphase Flow
Correlations
• Gray:
The Gray Vertical Flow correlation is used for
pressure loss and holdup. This correlation was
developed by H E Gray of Shell Oil Company for vertical
flow in gas and condensate systems which are
predominantly gas phase. Flow is treated as single
phase, and dropped out water or condensate is
assumed to adhere to the pipe wall.
 Famous Vertical Multiphase Flow
Correlations
• It is considered applicable for vertical flow cases
where the velocity is below 50 ft/s, the tube size is
below 3.5 in, the condensate ratio is below 50
bbl/mmscf, and the water ratio is below 5
bbl/mmscf.
 Famous Vertical Multiphase Flow
Correlations
• Gray Modified:
As above, but with the following modifications:
(1) Actual Reynolds number used (Gray Original
assumed Reynolds number to always be 1 million),
(2) Pseudo-roughness is constrained to be less than
the pipe radius.
 Famous Vertical Multiphase Flow
Correlations
• Orkiszewski:
The Orkiszewski correlation is used for pressure
loss, holdup, and flow regime. The Orkiszewski
correlation was developed for the prediction of two
phase pressure drops in vertical pipe. Four flow
regimes were considered, bubble, slug, annular-slug
transition, and annular mist.
 Famous Vertical Multiphase Flow
Correlations
• Hagedorn and Brown:
The correlation of Hagedorn and Brown is used
for pressure loss and holdup. While the Hagedorn and
Brown correlation does not predict flow pattern.
The Hagedorn and Brown correlation was developed
following an experimental study of pressure gradients
occurring during continuous two-phase flow in small
diameter vertical conduits.
 Famous Vertical Multiphase Flow
Correlations
• A 1,500 ft experimental well was used to study flow
through 1 in., 1.25 in., and 1.5 in. nominal size
tubing. Air was the gas phase and four different
liquids were used: water and crude oils with
viscosities of about 10, 30 and 110 cp. Liquid holdup
was not directly measured, rather a pseudo liquid-
holdup value was determined that matched
measured pressure gradients.
 Data Quality Check
(Fancher, Brown and Duns,Ros modified)
• Fancher, Brown: assume no slip, homogenous flow
(lower pressure drop), that is why actual Pwf must be
higher than its value (lower rate).
• Duns, Ros modified: over predict the pressure drop
as it assumes that the well is producing in the slug
flow regime, that is why actual Pwf should be lower
than this value.
Note: in some cases the actual Pwf could be higher that
its value.
 Tips
• If you don’t have enough data:
• Hagedorn and Brown is the most likely correlation for
oil wells and shouldn’t be used with condensate and
mist flow wells.
• Gray is usually used for gas wells.
• Biggs, Brill is primary a flow lines correlation.
• Duns, Ros original could be used more with
condensate and high GOR wells.
• Orkiszewski often gives match with measured data
but not preferable(some how unstable).
Example of Matching through old
version of Pipesim
Building The Well Model
Insert The Reservoir Data
Insert the Deviation Data
Casing and Tubing
Fluid Properties
PVT Calibration
Insert Measured Data
Flow Correlation Comparison
Quality Check
Select Several Correlations
Choose the Matching Correlation
Data Matching Option
Select the Best Correlation

Transfer the correlation by

this option
Nodal analysis operation
Sensitivity on WHP
Numerical results
System analysis
System analysis with two variables
 Case Studies
Conclusion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Duns & Ros

Beggs & Brill Revised

Measured Data

Hagedorn & Brown

Mukherjee & Brill

810 BLPD
1710 BLPD
 Case Studies
Conclusion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 Beggs & Brill

Measured Data

Mukherjee & Brill

Duns & Ros

Orkiszewski

Hagedorn & Brown

4520 BLPD
4320 BLPD
 Artificial lift systems
• Gas lift
– Two Model Options :
• Fixed injection depth & rate.
• Multiple injection points (Gas Lift Valves).

• ESP (Electrical Submersible Pump)

 ESP Completion Gas-lift Completion
Well completion is the process of making a
well ready for production (or injection). This Produced
principally involves preparing the bottom of the Hydrocarbon Out
hole to the required specifications, running in
the production tubing and its associated down Injection Gas In
hole tools as well as perforating and stimulating
as required. Power Cable

Artificial lift refers to the use of artificial

means to increase the flow of liquids, such as Pump
crude oil or water, from a production well.
Generally this is achieved by the use of a
mechanical device inside the well (pump or
velocity string) or by decreasing the weight of
the hydrostatic column by injecting gas into the Gas-Lift Valve
liquid some distance down the well.
Intake /gas separator
Artificial Lift Technologies
The most common artificial lift technologies
used are Gas-lift Completion & ESP completion Motor Protector

The choice between artificial lift methods Motor lead extension

depends on well performance & reservoir
behavior and completion design should be Motor
continuously improving based on close
monitoring of well performance, problems
faced during operations & lessons learned. Sensor
Production Packer

Picture from www.slb.com Picture from www.BakerHughes.com

 Gas Lift completion
modifications

Packer tail assembly was modified to be inside liner

The Benefits:
Using permanent packer instead of retrievable packer : Eliminate hanging of wire-line/slick-line above top of liner
The benefits: Scale build-up above top of liner could plug hole & prevent well intervention
Scale build up makes unsetting the retrievable packer
difficult.
Prevent possible leaking of retrievable packer
 ESP completion modifications
1-Y-tool
The benefits were: 5-Simple ESP with deep permanent packer &1/4” chemical injection CL
- Easy well intervention allowing wire-line & reservoir monitoring The benefits were:
-Saving of shut-in time by operating well under gas-lift assistance -Open annulus allowing chemical treatment away from pump
The disadvantages were: -Minimize no. of weak points by decreasing no. of cable splices.
•Wire-line problems & possible gas lift valves leakage -Minimize vibration of pump.
•Many splices increasing possibility of failure The disadvantages were:
•Prevent reservoir monitoring
•Possibility of control lines plugging
2- Semi-smart
•Deep-set ScSSSV possibility of stuck open because of oil hydrostatic pressure
The benefits were:
•Saving of shut-in time by operating well under gas-lift assistance
•Shallow ScSSSV is working properly.
The disadvantages were: 6-Simple ESP with deep permanent packer &3/8” chemical injection CL
•Wire-line problems & possible gas lift valves leakage The same benefits & disadvantages like Simple ESP with deep permanent packer &1/4”
•Prevent reservoir monitoring chemical injection CL with adding benefits:
•Chemical batches are not available in this design -Avoid plugging of CL in case of debris were injected with continuous chemical injection

3-Simple ESP with unvented shallow packer

The benefits were:
•No gas lift valves above pump eliminating possible leakage 7-Combined GL/ ESP with deep permanent packer &3/8” chemical injection CL
•Shallow ScSSSV is working properly. The same benefits & disadvantages like Simple ESP with deep permanent packer &3/8”
The disadvantages were: chemical injection CL with adding benefits:
•Accumulation of gas below packer -Decrease closed-in period till perform ESP change-out in case of failure.
•Many splices increasing possibility of failure -Improve ESP lifting performance by lighten liquid column above pump.
•Scale build-up makes packer unsetting is difficult
•Possible leakage of retrievable packer
•Prevent reservoir monitoring

4-Simple ESP with vented shallow packer

The same benefits & disadvantages like Simple ESP with unvented
shallow packer with adding benefits :
•possibility of venting gas below packer & preventing gas lock
Gas Well Performance
 Gas Well IPRs
• In gas wells, both fluid viscosity and compressibility
are pressure dependent.

• Model is also complicated by high velocities around

the wellbore that produce turbulent flow.

• Darcy model assumes laminar flow and is not valid

for the pressure drops produced by turbulence in gas
wells.
 Gas Reservoirs

• Pseudosteady State
– The behavior of gas flowing in laminar flow
through a porous medium (Darcy’s Law)

q
7.03X10 4

kh p 2 2
 p wf 
  re  
g T z  ln    0.75  s 
  rw  
 Calculation of IPR Curve
4000

3000
pwfs, psia

2000

1000

0
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000

q, Mscf/day
 Types of tests
There are essentially three types of deliverability tests:

• Conventional deliverability (back-pressure)

• Isochronal
• Modified isochronal
 Types of tests
• Essentially, these tests consist of flowing wells at
multiple rates sequentially, and measuring the
bottom-hole flowing pressures as a function of time.
The stabilized flow rates and bottom-hole pressures
are then plotted on a log-log plot and fit with a
straight line.

• The exponent n is calculated as the slope of the line.

The flow coefficient C is calculated from the equation
itself using the calculated n value, as well as the rate
and flowing bottom hole pressure from one
stabilized well test during the flow period.
 Types of tests
• Three types of tests are commonly used for gas-well
testing to determine C and n. These tests can also be
used for oil wells.
• The type of test to choose depends on the
stabilization time of the well, which is a function of
the reservoir permeability.
• Well stabilizes fairly rapidly  Flow after Flow tests
• Tight wells  isochronal tests
• Very long stabilization time  modified isochronal
test.
 Jones Equation
• Gas and saturated oil reservoirs
• Equations:
Gas: (P2) = AQ + BQ2
Oil: (P) = AQ + BQ2
where
A : Laminar flow coefficient (Darcy)
B : Turbulent flow coefficient (Non Darcy)
• Also known as “Forcheimer equation”
 Non-Linear IPR (Gas)
• P2 – Pwf = aq + bq2
– Where
• aq = pressure drop due to laminar (Darcy) flow
• bq2 = pressure drop due to turbulent (non-
Darcy) flow
The constants a and b can be derived from multi-rate
well test or alternatively estimated from known
reservoir and gas properties.
 IPR in Gas Reservoirs
• Jones’ Gas IPR
– Problem -
• Darcy’s law valid for laminar flow only
• High permeability gas wells produce in
turbulent flow near the wellbore

2 2 2
p  p wf  aq  bq
 Definitions

   re  
 1.424 x10 g z T  ln    0.75 
3
s 
a    rw  
 kh




 3.16 x1012   g T z
b 
 hp2 rw

 Determination of h

hp

h h
hp
 Solving Jones’ Equation
• The flow rate is:

q
2
a  a  4b p  2 2
 p wf 
2b
 Solving Jones’ Equation
• The value of the AOF is then given by:

2 2
a  a  4bp
AOF 
2b
 Solving Jones’ Equation
• Solve for the well flowing pressure:

2 2
pwf  p  b q  a q
 Back Pressure Equation

• For gas wells

Q = C (Pws2 - Pwf2)n

• Schellhardt & Rawlins empirical equation

• Normally, 0.5 < n < 1.0
 Transient IPR Curves
• Transient Flow Equation
– for oil wells
k h p  p wf 
qo 
  kt  
162.6o Bo  log    3.23  0.87s 
    c r2  
  o t w 
– for gas wells (low pressure only)

qg 

k h p 2  p2wf 
   
1638g T z  log    3.23  0.87s 
k t
   c r2  
  g t w 
 Turner Critical Velocity for Gas Wells

Vcrit = 1.92 [(s1/4 (rL-rg)1/4 / rg½)]

Vcrit = minimum gas velocity, ft/sec
s = surface tension, dynes/cm
rL = liquid density, lb/ft3
rg = gas density, lb/ft3

s = surface tension, dynes/cm: condensate is 20 and water is 60 dynes/cm

rL = liquid density, lb/ft3: condensate is 45 and water is 67 lb/ft3
rg = gas density, lb/ft3: function of pressure and temperature
 Critical Velocity to Keep a Gas Well
Unloaded - Turner
vg/cond=[4.02(45-0.0031p)0.25]/[(0.0031) p0.5]
Vg/water=[5.62(67-0.0031p)0.25]/[(0.0031) p0.5]

Where:
v = critical gas velocity in tubing for unloading, fps
p = surface pressure of well, psia
Gas is 0.6 gravity and gas temperature is 120F (49C)

• For flow velocities above the critical rate, liquid drops are carried upward by the gas for well
deviations less than about 20 degrees.
• For flow below the critical, water may not be carried out of the well or may produce in slugs.
The well may continue to flow, but at a reduced rate due to the back pressure exerted by the
liquid head.
 Turner Unloading Rate, Water

3000 4.5" (3.958" ID)

3.5" (2.992" ID)
2500 2.875" (2.441" ID)
Gas Rate (mscf/d)

2.375" (1.995" ID)

2000 2.0675" (1.751" ID)

1500

1000

500

0
0 100 200 300 400 500
Flowing Pressure, psi
 Flow Velocity and Lift
• Flow velocity affects flow efficiency through liquid
slippage, turbulence and friction.
• At low rates, gas tends to slip through liquids,
allowing the liquids to remain in the tubing.
• At medium rates, gas drags liquid upward due to
turbulence. This action reduces pressure gradient.
• At very high flow rates, friction of flowing fluid with
the wall of the tubing causes excessive pressure
drops, increase the flowing gradient.
 Effect of Water Production
• A well becomes significantly harder to lift when
water production increases. why?

– Water has a higher density (8.3 ppg to 10 ppg).

– Water has no solution gas (less gas for total lift).
– Density segregation can create lift problems,
especially in deviated wells.
 Density of the Flowing Column
• Decreasing the density of the column of the flowing
fluid is one of the best things that can be done to
increase draw down and flow rate.
Effect of increasing GLR on Flowing Bottom Hole Pressure
(FBHP) – As gas is added, the FBHP decreases due to gas cut
liquid. When too much gas is added, the friction from the
flowing volume increases.

Decreasing flowing
fluid gradient

FBHP Increasing friction

Increasing Gas Injection or GLR

 Choke
Performance
 Choke Modeling
• Wellhead chokes are used to limit production rates
to stay within surface constraints, protect surface
equipment from slugging, avoid sand problems due
to high drawdown, and control flow rate to avoid
water or gas coning.

• Placing a choke at the wellhead increases the

wellhead pressure and thus, the flowing bottom hole
pressure which reduces the production rate.
 Choke Modeling
• Sound waves and pressure waves are both
mechanical waves. When the fluid flow velocity in a
choke reaches the traveling velocity of sound in the
fluid for the in-situ condition, the flow is called sonic
flow.

• Under sonic flow conditions, the pressure wave

downstream of the choke cannot go upstream
through the choke because the medium (fluid) is
traveling in the opposite direction at the same
velocity.
 Choke Modeling
• As a result, a pressure discontinuity exists at the
choke, which means that the downstream pressure
does not affect the upstream pressure.

• Because of the pressure discontinuity at the choke,

any change in the downstream pressure cannot be
detected from the upstream pressure gauge.
 Choke Modeling
• Any change in the upstream pressure cannot be
detected from the downstream pressure gauge
either.

• This choke feature is unique and desirable for

stabilizing the well production rate and separator
operating conditions.
 Choke Modeling
• Whether sonic flow exists at a choke depends on
the downstream-to-upstream pressure ratio.

• If this pressure ratio is less than a critical pressure

ratio, sonic (critical) flow exists.

• If this pressure ratio is greater than, or equal to, the

critical pressure ratio, sub-sonic (sub-critical) flow
exists.
 Choke Modeling
• The critical pressure ratio is approximately 0.55 for
natural gas.

• A similar constant is used for oil flow.

• In some wells, chokes are installed in the lower

section of tubing strings. This choke position
reduces wellhead pressure and enhances oil
production rate as a result of gas expansion in the
tubing string.
 Choke Modeling
• For gas wells, a downhole choke can reduce the risk
of gas hydrates.

• A major disadvantage of using downhole chokes is

that replacing a choke is costly.
Choke Performance
Choke Performance
 Estimating Flow Rates
Choke Size (in) Coefficient
1/8 6.25
3/16 14.44
1/4 26.51
5/16 43.64
3/8 61.21
7/16 85.13
1/2 112.72
5/8 179.74
3/4 260.99
Choke Performance
Choke Performance
Compositional Fluid
Modeling
 Compositional Fluid Modeling
• PIPESIM offers full compositional fluid modeling as a
more advanced alternative to Black Oil fluid
modeling. In compositional fluid modeling, the
individual components (Methane, Ethane, Water,
etc.) that comprise the fluid are specified, and the
fluid phase behavior is modeled using Equations of
State. Compositional fluid modeling is generally
regarded as more accurate, especially for wet gas,
condensate and volatile oil systems.
 Compositional Fluid Modeling
• However, Black oil modeling is the more-commonly
used approach, because detailed compositional
data is less frequently available to the production
reservoir engineer.
 Equations of State (EoS)
• Equations of State describe the pressure, volume and
temperature (PVT) behavior of pure components and
mixtures. Most thermodynamic and transport
properties are derived from Equations of State.

• One of the simplest Equations of State is the ideal

gas law, PV= nRT, which is roughly accurate for gases
at low pressures and high temperatures.
 Note
The Black Oil model uses the ideal gas equation along
with a compressibility factor (Z) to account for non-
ideal behavior.
 Emulsion Viscosities
• An emulsion is a mixture of two immiscible liquid
phases. One phase (the dispersed phase) is carried as
droplets in the other (the continuous phase). In
oil/water systems at low water cuts, oil is usually the
continuous phase.

• As water cut increases, there comes a point where

phase inversion occurs, and water becomes the
continuous phase.
 Emulsion Viscosities
• This is the Critical Water Cut of Phase Inversion,
otherwise called the cutoff, which occurs typically
between 55% and 70% water cut. The viscosity of the
mixture is usually highest, at and just below, the
cutoff.
• Emulsion viscosities can be several times higher than
the viscosity of either phase.
• A number of methods for predicting emulsion
viscosity are available in PIPESIM using the Viscosity
tab of the Compositional fluid editor.
Create a Compositional Fluid
Model for a Gas Well
 Compositional Fluid Model for a
Gas Well
• On the Home tab, select Compositional from the
Fluid manager option list.

• In the Component/model settings tab of the Fluid

Manager, select the PVT package and models.

• Add the components to the fluid template by

checking the boxes next to each of them in the Fluid
Components list.
 Compositional Fluid Model for a Gas
Well
• Create a new C7+ pseudo-component by clicking
New at the top of the Fluid Components section and
enter only the Name, Molecular weight, and Specific
gravity. All other properties will be automatically
calculated based on the properties you specified.
 Compositional Fluid Model for a Gas
Well
• Create a new fluid.
• Double-click the row of the newly-created fluid to
open the Fluid editor. Enter the moles for each
component.
• In the Flash/Tune fluid section, enter any pressure
and temperature and the fluid will be flashed at
those conditions. The phase properties and
compositions resulting from the flash will be
displayed.
 Gas Well Deliverability
• The gas flow rate and pressure drawdown that can
be expressed as the following:
Qsc = C(Pr^2 – Pwf^2)^n
Where:
• Qsc = Gas rate (MMscf/d)
• PR = Average static reservoir pressure (psia)
• PWF = Flowing bottom hole pressure (psia)
• C = Flow coefficient (MMScf/day/psi2)
• n = Non-Darcy exponent
 Gas Well Deliverability
• The exponent n is intended to account for the
additional pressure drop caused by high-velocity gas
flow, such as is caused by turbulence. Depending on
the flowing conditions, the exponent n can vary
from 1.0 for completely laminar flow to 0.5 for fully
turbulent flow.
 Gas Well Deliverability
The flow coefficient C, in the equation, is included to
account for these parameters:
• Reservoir rock properties
• Fluid properties
• Reservoir flow geometry
• The coefficients of the equation, n and C, are
determined from well deliverability tests. Once they
are determined, the gas flow rate Qsc at any bottom-
hole flowing pressure Pwf can be calculated, and an
IPR curve done.
 Building a gas well model
• Regarding the data input it will be the same like the
oil well models.

• The first change will be in the inflow term.

Gas Well IPR Curves using normal
PI value
Nodal Analysis
 IPR Calibration
• Calibrate the Inflow Model Using Multipoint Test
Data

will use a different IPR model; the Backpressure

equation. You will calibrate it with multipoint well test
data. The C and n parameters will be tuned to match
the well test data.
Do the following:
 IPR Calibration
• Go to the Completions tab of the Well editor.
• Change the IPR Model to Back pressure.
• On the Reservoir tab, check the box Use test data,
and set the Test Type to Multipoint.
• Enter the test data in the table.
• The IPR plot will be auto-generated as the test data is
being entered and the C and n values will be
calculated and displayed.
IPR Calibration
 IPR Calibration
• Rerun the P/T profile task using the same boundary
conditions from the previous step.
• Review the plot and grid results and compare the
results with the previous ones.

• Is the flow turbulent or laminar?

(depend on the n value)….
 Erosion Prediction
• Erosion has long been recognized as a potential
source of problems in oil and gas production
systems.

• Erosion can occur in solids-free fluids, but usually, it

is caused by entrained solids.

• PIPESIM 2014 uses the API 14 E method to predict

the velocity at which erosion may occur.
 Erosion Prediction
• The erosion velocity Ve is calculated with the equation:

• Where pm is the fluid mean density and C is an empirical

constant. C has dimensions of (mass/(length*time2)) 0.5.
The following values of C in oilfield units are suggested in
literature:
• C = 100 for continuous, non-corrosive, solids-free service
• C = 125 for intermittent, non-corrosive, solids-free service
• C = 150-200 for continuous, corrosive*, solids-free service
• C = 250 for intermittent, corrosive*, solids-free service
 Erosion Prediction
• We will perform a nodal analysis to select an
optimum tubing size.

• The available tubing sizes are 2.441 inches, 2.992

inches, 3.476 inches, and 3.958 inches in inside
diameter.
 Erosion Prediction
The final decision will be based on the following
criteria:
• Flow rate (The higher the better, until the erosional
velocity is reached because more liquid droplets are
carried at higher velocities which increases the
erosion risk)
• Erosional velocity ratio (<1).
• Cost (Generally increases with tubing size)
 Erosion Prediction
Do the following:
1. Go to Home » Simulation settings »
Erosion/Corrosion and confirm that the Erosion velocity
constant (C value) of 100 is entered for the API 14e
erosion model.(fluids treated with corrosion inhibitor
or for corrosion-resistant material, The recommended
value of C, which is also the PIPESIM default, is 100. It
has been noted that this is a conservative value).
 Erosion Prediction
2. Launch the Nodal analysis task from the Home tab.
3. Select Bottom-hole as the nodal point, when
prompted.
4. Enter 800 psia as the Outlet Pressure.
5. Click the Sensitivities tab and enter the tubing inside
diameter options (2.441”, 2.992”, 3.476”
and 3.958”) under the Outflow Sensitivity.
 Erosion Prediction
6. Run the model and view the Profile results (not
System results).
Double-click the plot and change the X-axis variable to
Erosional Velocity Ratio. Which tubing size best meets
the decision criteria?
(Choose the smallest tubing size, unless the increase in
gas rate is significant for example, > 5%, that is free
from erosion issues).
 Model a Flow line and Choke
• Insert a choke and a sink. In the surface equipment
tab.
• Connect the choke to the wellhead using a connector
and connect the choke to the sink using a flow line,
Click the choke and enter a Bean size as shown in the
following figure:
 Predict Future Production Rates
To make a system analysis to predict the well rate with
the expected decline in the gas reservoir pressure (two
way using normal sensitivity from nodal analysis or P/T
profile or to use the system analysis to give the
predication chart).
Note: it is preferable to deactivate the choke and makes
this operation to the well head only.
 Liquid Loading
• Gas wells usually produce with liquid water and/or
condensate in the form of mist droplets or a film
along the pipe walls.

• As the gas flow velocity in the well drops due to

reservoir depletion, the carrying capacity of the gas
decreases. When the gas velocity drops below a
critical level, the gas is unable to lift the liquids and
they begin to accumulate in the wellbore. This is
termed liquid loading.
 Liquid Loading
• Liquid loading increases the flowing bottom hole
pressure, which reduces the gas production rate.

• A lower gas production rate implies a lower gas

velocity which will ultimately cause the well to stop
producing or die.
 Turner Droplet Model

• In gas wells operating in the annular-mist flow

regime, liquids flow as individual particles (droplets)
in the gas core and as a liquid film along the tubing
wall.

• By analyzing a large database of producing gas wells,

Turner found that a force balance performed on a
droplet could predict whether the liquids would flow
upwards (drag forces) or downwards (gravitational
forces).
 Turner Droplet Model

• If the gas velocity is above a critical velocity, the drag

force lifts the droplet, otherwise the droplet falls and
liquid loading occurs.
• This is illustrated in the following figure:
 Turner Droplet Model
• When the drag on a droplet is equal to its weight, the
gas velocity is at critical velocity.
• Theoretically, at the critical velocity, the droplet
would be suspended in the gas stream, moving
neither upward nor downward.
• Below the critical velocity, the droplet falls and
liquids accumulate in the wellbore.
• In practice, the critical gas velocity is generally
defined as the minimum gas velocity in the tubing
required to move droplets upward.
 Turner Droplet Model

• The general form of Turner's equation is given by:

 Turner Droplet Model

• Note: The Turner equation applies to vertical or near

vertical uphill flow and assumes a continuous gas
phase with small dispersed liquid droplets entrained
in it.

• PIPESIM will not calculate the liquid loading in pipe

sections where these conditions are not met.
 Determine a Critical Gas Rate to
Prevent Well Loading
• Launch the Nodal Analysis task.

• Set the Outlet Pressure and run the model.

• On the System results tab, check the box for the

Liquid loading line. The plot appears as below.
 Determine a Critical Gas Rate to
Prevent Well Loading
• Click the View data in a table icon at the bottom right
of the plot, and extract the critical gas rate
 Hydrates

• Gas hydrates are crystalline compounds with a snow-

like consistency that occur when small gas molecules
come into contact with water at or below a certain
temperature.

• The hydrate formation temperature increases with

increasing pressure, therefore the hydrate risk is
greatest at higher pressures and lower temperatures.
When hydrates form inside pipelines, they can form
plugs which obstruct flow.
 Hydrates
• In even worse scenarios, where the presence of a
hydrate plug was undetected, pipeline
depressurization has resulted in the plug being
dislodged unexpectedly, resulting in serious injury
and even fatalities.
• These are some of the reasons that hydrates are a
serious flow assurance concern.
• Hydrate forming molecules most commonly include
methane, ethane, propane, carbon dioxide and
hydrogen sulfide.
 Hydrates
• Hydrates can very easily form downstream of a choke
where fluid temperature can drop into the hydrate
formation region due to Joule-Thompson cooling
effects.
• The following figure, shows a typical gas hydrate
curve which is very useful for subsea pipeline
design and operations.
• On the left side of the curve is the hydrate formation
region.
 Hydrates
• When pressures and temperatures are in this region,
hydrates will form from the water and gas molecules.
 Hydrate Mitigation Strategies
Thermal insulation
• The heat transfer between the fluid in the pipeline
and the environment surrounding the pipeline is
dependent on the temperature gradient and the
thermal conductivity of the material between the
two.
• There are two options for modeling the heat transfer
in PIPESIM.
 Hydrate Mitigation Strategies
• 1- Input U value: This option allows you to define an
overall heat transfer coefficient (U value). The heat
transfer rate per unit area is calculated based on the
pipe outside diameter.

• 2- Calculate U value: This option computes the

overall heat transfer coefficient based on the
following parameters:
 Hydrate Mitigation Strategies
• Pipe coatings: Thickness of each pipe coating & K
(Thermal conductivity) of the material
• Pipe material conductivity
• Ambient fluid (Air or Water)
• Ambient fluid velocity (The faster fluid flows over the
pipe, the greater the heat loss)
• Pipe burial depth
• Ground conductivity (for flow lines only)
 Hydrate Mitigation Strategies
Chemical Inhibitors
• Thermodynamic inhibitors can be used to shift the
hydrate line (to the left in the curve shown
previously), thereby lowering the hydrate formation
temperature and increasing the hydrate-free
operating envelope.
• Examples of inhibitors include methanol and
ethylene glycol.
 Hydrate Mitigation Strategies
• Second type of Hydrate Inhibitors, These inhibitors
that do not lower the hydrate formation
temperature; instead, they help prevent the
nucleation and agglomeration of hydrates to avoid
blockage formation.

• The effects of these types of inhibitors cannot be

modeled with PIPESIM
 Exercise
• Exercise No.1 or gas well model?
• Apply all the previous operations for the model.
 Create a Compositional Fluid
Model for a Gas Well
Add the following components to the fluid template by
checking the boxes next to each of them in the Fluid
Components list. There are 9 components, and they
are:
• Water
• Methane
• Ethane
• Propane
• Isobutane
 Create a Compositional Fluid Model
for a Gas Well
• Butane
• Iso-pentane
• Pentane
• Hexane
* Create a new C7+ pseudo-component by clicking
New at the top of the Fluid Components section and
enter only the Name, Molecular weight, and Specific
gravity. All other properties will be automatically
calculated based on the properties you specified.
 Create a Compositional Fluid Model
for a Gas Well
• Double-click the row of the newly-created fluid to
open the Fluid editor. Enter the moles for each
component.
• In the Flash/Tune fluid section, you may enter any
pressure and temperature and the fluid will be
flashed at those conditions.
• The phase properties and compositions resulting
from the flash will be displayed.
 Create a Compositional Fluid Model
for a Gas Well
• Change the number of moles of water to 1.88.
• Close the fluid editor and return to the Fluids tab of
the Fluid manager to see the GOR and Water cut
values for the fluid. They should match the ones
below.
Well’s Data
Calibrate the Inflow Model Using
Multipoint Test Data
 Select a Tubing Size
• The available tubing sizes are 2.441 inches, 2.992
inches, 3.476 inches, and 3.958 inches in inside
diameter.
• Your final decision will be based on the following
criteria:
• Flow rate (The higher the better, until the erosional
velocity is reached because more liquid droplets are
carried at higher velocities which increases the
erosion risk).
• Erosional velocity ratio (<1).
• Cost (Generally increases with tubing size).
 Select a Tubing Size
• Launch the Nodal analysis task from the Home tab.
• Select Bottom-hole as the nodal point, when
prompted.
• Enter 800 psia as the Outlet Pressure.
• Click the Sensitivities tab and enter the tubing inside
diameter options (2.441”, 2.992”, 3.476” and 3.958”)
under the Outflow Sensitivity.
 Select a Tubing Size
• Run the model and view the Profile results (not
System results). Double-click the plot and change the
X-axis variable to Erosional Velocity Ratio.
• decision criteria? (Choose the smallest tubing size,
unless the increase in gas rate is significant for
example, > 5%, that is free from erosion issues).
 Model a Flow line and Choke
• calculated in the previous exercise to determine the
choke bean size that results in a manifold (end of
flow line) pressure of 710 psia.

• Click the Surface equipment tab of the Well editor,

and click the main Insert tab to expose the
equipment that can be added.
 Model a Flow line and Choke
• Insert a choke and a sink. Connect the choke to the
wellhead using a connector and connect the choke to
the sink using a flow line, as shown in the following
figure
 Model a Flowline and Choke
• Click the choke and enter a Bean size of 1 in.

• (You can enter any Bean size at this time. You will
soon run a sensitivity to determine the correct bean
size to achieve the desired outlet pressure of 710
psia).

• Click the flow line and configure it as shown

 P/T Profile
• Launch the P/T Profile task from the Home tab.
Change the branch end to the Sink to ensure that the
flow line and choke are included in the simulated
profiles.

• Select Custom as the Calculated Variable, Choke as

the Object and Bean size as the Variable from the
option lists.
 P/T Profile
• Enter a bean size range of 1 to 3 inches and leave the
Proportionality set to Direct.

• Change the Outlet pressure (for example, at the Sink)

to 710 psia and enter the Gas flow rate obtained
from the previous task (14.7 MMScf/d).
• Click Run to launch the simulation.
• Review the Profile results to get the bean size that is
required to match the specified inlet, outlet, and
flowrate conditions.

• The Bean size is 1.5 in.

 Predict Future Production Rates
• Deactivate the equipment downstream of the
wellhead because you will run this simulation up to
the wellhead. In the Surface equipment tab of the
well editor, deactivate the Choke.
• Launch the System Analysis task. Select Gas flowrate
as the Calculated variable.
• Set the Outlet Pressure (wellhead) to 800 psi.
 Predict Future Production Rates
• In the X-axis column, select System Data as the
sensitivity object and Inlet pressure as the sensitivity
variable. Enter the following Inlet (reservoir)
pressures:
• 4,600 psia
• 4,200 psia
• 3,800 psia
• 3,400 psia
• Run the model, the well will produce +/- 7.7
MMSCF/D at PR of 3400 psi.
 Determine a Critical Gas Rate to
Prevent Well Loading
• Launch the Nodal Analysis task and delete any
Sensitivities that may still be present.
• Set the Outlet Pressure to 800 psia and run the
model.
• On the System results tab, check the box for the
Liquid loading line.
• Click the View data in a table icon at the bottom
right of the plot, and extract the critical gas rate.
Network Module
 Network Model
• A network model is a diagrammatic representation of
the pipeline network, showing all the nodes and the
connections between them.

• The model is displayed as a diagram on the Network

viewer tab.

• Each node or connection added to the network

diagram also appears in the Inputs pane.
 Panning and Zooming in the
Network Diagram
• To control the view of the diagram, icon size, the grid
size, the labels, the flow direction and to show an
overview from the format tab.

• Important: You need to provide a unique name to all

surface and down hole equipment to avoid possible
conflicts. A unique name also helps identify the
object definitively when viewing or analyzing results.
 Building a network model
• Adding wells:
Use the Well editor (which consists of the Wellbore
schematic pane and the tabs that you
use to define the well properties) to create new wells
and edit existing ones.
(Add a well using the Insert tab or the Inputs pane).
Add each well data.
 Building a network model
• Adding Sources and Sinks:
Sink Properties:
A sink is a point where the fluid leaves the system.
Normally, it is used to represent a surface outflow point
(for example, separator), not an injection well. A model
can have any number of sinks.
Source: is a point at which fluids enters the network
and can be pressurized and act as a boundary and
should be placed upstream of other components.
 Building a network model
• Adding Surface Equipment using the Network
Diagram:
Junction: is a simple node that is used to connect
multiple branches in a network. A junction itself has no
associated physical characteristics such as pressure
drop and temperature change. However, junction
allows mixing of multiple fluids at a common pressure
and the temperature at the junction represents the
combined stream temperature.
 Building a network model
• Choke:
A choke is a device that limits flow by mechanically
constricting the cross-sectional area through which
fluid flows. The fluid velocity increases through the
constriction and a pressure loss occurs.
• Check Valves:
You may block the flow at any point in the surface
network by using check valves (Block reverse, Block
forward, Block both)
 Building a network model
• Compressor Properties:
Built-in or user-developed compressor curves can be
used to describe the relationship between differential
pressure, flow rate, and efficiency for a range of
compressor speeds. If compressor curves are used, the
compressor speed and number of stages become
additional factors.
Main factor(Pressure increases (positive) across the
compressor).
 Building a network model
• Expander Properties:
An expander is used to recover energy from waste gas.
The energy recovered can be used to drive other
equipment or to produce electricity. The gas passes
over the nose cone of the expander and into its stator
blades, impacting the rotor blades resulting in a
temperature drop in addition to recovery of the
pressure energy.
Main factor (Pressure decrease across the expander
(negative number).
 Building a network model
• Flow line
• Generic Pump Properties:
The basic pump model uses centrifugal pump
equations to determine the relationship between inlet
pressure and temperature, outlet pressure and
temperature, flow rate, shaft power, hydraulic power,
and efficiency.
Pressure change across the pump.
 Building a network model
• Heat Exchanger Properties:
Use a heat exchanger to model a device that transfers
heat from one liquid to another without allowing them
to mix. This results in a fluid temperature change and
sometimes a small pressure change.
 Building a network model
• Injection Point Properties:
You can use a fluid injection point to inject fluid
anywhere in the system. Injectors are commonly
used to model chemical injection (for example,
methanol) or riser-based gas.
 Building a network model
• Multiphase Booster Properties:
multiphase booster enables the mixed fluid stream to
be boosted in a single equipment object.
The incoming fluid at the suction is directly boosted to
the required discharge pressure without physically
separating the liquid and gas phases and the discharge
fluid is exported via a multiphase export line.
 Building a network model
• Riser
• Three Phase Separator:
A separator is a cylindrical or spherical vessel used to
separate oil, gas, and water phases from the incoming
mixed fluid stream.
In a 3-phase separator all three phases (oil, gas, and
water) are separated and discharged from three
separate outlets and thus these separated streams
follow different branches in a network.
 Building a network model
• Two Phase Separator:
A separator is a cylindrical or spherical vessel used to
separate phases from the incoming mixed fluid stream.
A two-phase separator separates gas from liquid or
water from the hydrocarbons (gas and/or oil). To split
all three phases, use a three-phase separator instead.
 Network module - overview
• Rigorous and comprehensive steady-state
multiphase network simulator
• Combines the detailed well modeling capability of
the single branch model with the ability to solve
large complex networks
• Networks of any size and topology (loops, multiple
sources & sinks, parallel flowlines)
• Black oil/compositional
• Rigorous thermodynamic calculations
• All single branch components can be included in a
network
 PIPESIM Network Modeling
• Surface multiphase network simulator

• Fluid interaction from various sources

• Account for backpressure effects and well

interaction

• Surface facilities (Compressor, Booster etc)

 Steps in building a model
• Set units & job title
• Define components in the model:
– production wells
– injection wells
– sources
– sinks
– branches (flowline or trunklines)
• Enter physical data for each component
• Define global/local fluid models and flow correlations
 Steps in building a model (cont.)
• Set boundary conditions (pressure (P) and flowrate
(Q)):
number P + Q MUST equal sum of (sources + wells +
sinks)
* at least one boundary pressure must be specified

• Set boundary conditions (temperature (T)):

all source fluid T MUST be specified
* all sink temperatures are calculated by the network
solver
 Operations
• Check model
– Checks boundary conditions
• Run model
– Runs network model using boundary
specification with estimates for unknowns
• Restart model
– Runs model using results from previous
simulation as initial ‘guesses’ for next
simulation.
– Reduces simulation time significantly if
only minor changes are made to a model.
 Looped Gas Gathering Network
• How to build a gathering network and perform a
network simulation to evaluate the deliverability of
the complete production system?

• It is necessary to model the network as a complete

system to account for the interaction of wells
producing into a common gathering system.
 Looped Gas Gathering Network
• The wellhead pressure, and by extension the
deliverability of any particular well is influenced by
the backpressure imposed by the production system.

• Modeling the network as a whole, allows the

engineer to determine the effects of such changes as
adding new wells, adding compression, looping flow
lines and changing the separator pressure.
 Model a Gathering Network
Boundary Conditions:
• The number of boundary conditions required for a
model is determined by the model's Degrees of
Freedom, determined as follows:
Degrees of Freedom = number of wells
(production and injection) + number of sources +
number of sinks
• For example, a 3 production well system producing
fluid to a single delivery point has 4 degrees of
freedom (3+1), regardless of the network
configuration between the well and the sink.
 Model a Gathering Network
• Additionally, the following conditions must be
satisfied:
- The number of pressure, flow rate or PQ specifications
must equal the degrees of freedom of the model.
- At least 1 pressure must be specified.
- At each source (production well & source) the fluid
temperature must be set.
• PIPESIM validates that the correct number and type
of boundary conditions are set before the simulation
run can be initiated.
 Model a Gathering Network

• the Mtol value is within the specified network

tolerance, that node has passed the mass
convergence test
Model a Pipeline Network
 Main Target
• how to build a gathering network and perform a
network simulation to evaluate the deliverability of
the complete production system. It is necessary to
model the network

• as a complete system to account for the interaction

of wells producing into a common gathering system.

• The wellhead pressure, and by extension the

deliverability of any particular well is influenced by
the backpressure imposed by the production system.
 Main Target
• Modeling the network as a whole, allows the
engineer to determine the effects of such changes as
adding new wells, adding compression, looping flow
lines and changing the separator pressure.
 Model a Pipeline Network
• In this model, your goal is to establish the
deliverability of a production network.

• The network consists of three producing gas wells in

a looped gathering system, which delivers the
commingled streams to a single delivery point.
 Model a Pipeline Network
• From the Insert tab, add the following equipment:
• 3 wells (Use the Simple Vertical template for all wells).
• 4 junctions
• 1 3-phase separator
• 1 compressor
• 1 heat exchange
• 3 sinks
Rename and arrange them exactly as
indicated below
 Model a Pipeline Network
• Connect the inserted objects using flowlines and
connectors such that the network diagram exactly
matches the figure below. (Rename all the flowlines
exactly as indicated below).
 Connector
• Connector is a line used to represent two physically-
separated objects that are connected, but have zero
length between them (for example, a connector can
be used to connect a wellhead and a choke).
 Model a Pipeline Network
• Create 2 new compositional fluids for the 3 wells
based on the compositions below.
• Leave all other model settings to their default
values, but name the fluids as indicated below.
 Model a Pipeline Network
• you created all 3 wells using the Simple Vertical
template. You will now edit the default template
values for each well and change them to the values
specified below
Well-1
Well-1
Well-2
Well-3
Well-3
 Model a Pipeline Network
• Add the data of the three wells

• Click the Flowline manager on the Home tab and

specify the flowline details
 Model a Pipeline Network
• To populate/fill the same value down a column,
type the value into the top row you want to fill
down from, and press F3.
 Model a Pipeline Network
• Double-click the Separator (3PS) and select Gas as
the Production stream. Leave the default value of
100% for both the Gas/Oil and Water/Oil efficiencies.
 Model a Pipeline Network
• Click the Compressor and enter a Pressure
differential of 400 psi and an Efficiency of 70%.

• Select the Heat Exchanger and enter a Pressure

differential of 15 psi and Discharge temperature of
120 degF.
 Model a Pipeline Network
• Go to Home » Simulation settings » Flow correlations
and choose Beggs & Brill as the global vertical and
horizontal multiphase flow correlation.
From the Home tab, launch the
Network Simulation task.
 Model a Pipeline Network
• Configure the boundary conditions for the simulation
task
 Model a Pipeline Network
• The Run button is active only if the required number
of P,Q specifications have been supplied and there
are no validation issues.
 Model a Pipeline Network
• Note: The GL-2_Compressor 1 branch profile is
displaced in the above plot. This is a known issue
that will be resolved (like an error of the software).

• Plot the profile results for the flow path from Well_3
to the Gas_Sales sink as annotated below, by
selecting the highlighted branches. Observe the 400
psi pressure boost provided by the Compressor.
 Model a Pipeline Network
• Review the Node/Branch results and determine the
network deliverability. Compare your results with the
answers below.
 Model a Pipeline Network
• Determine the drop in Gas production in the event of
a compressor shutdown.

• This scenario assumes that there is a bypass line

around the compressor that allows gas production to
be maintained if the compressor goes down.
Simulate this scenario by right-mouse-button clicking
on the Compressor and selecting Deactivate
Rerun the Network Simulation task
and compare your results with the
answer below
 Screen the Network for Erosion
Issues
• In this task, you will screen the network for branches that
exceed the erosion velocity limit.

1. Re-activate the compressor by right clicking it and selecting

Activate.
2. Go to Home > Simulation settings > Erosion/Corrosion and
confirm that the API 14e erosion model is selected and the
default Erosional velocity constant (C value) of 100 is being used.
3. Run the Network Simulation task.
4. Go to Profile results tab and change the Y-axis variable to
display Erosion velocity ratio. The erosional velocity ratio (EVR) is
calculated as below.
 Screen the Network for Erosion
Issues

• If EVR > 1, there is an erosion risk.

 Screen the Network for Erosion
Issues
• Identify the branches where the EVR exceeds one
and compare them to the answers below:

• Branches where EVR > 1 Well_1, Well_2 & Well_3

and connected flowlines WFL-1, WFL-2 & WFL-3
respectively
 Screen the Network for Erosion
Issues
• Why do these specific branches have the highest
EVR?

• (These are the well branches. They have the highest

flowing temperatures, hence highest fluid velocities).
 Tips for large network models
• Try to split the model into smaller networks, which
can be solved independently, before linking them all
together. (This helps trouble-shooting of the model)
• When first building the model, leave out equipment
such as compressors and separators, then build
them in one at a time. (Again this helps trouble-
shooting)
• Build all well models and branches containing
equipment items in PIPESIM first. Run some
sensitivity analyses to check they are behaving as
expected.
 Tips for large network models
• Try to avoid unnecessary nodes in a network, this
increases the computing time required to solve the
network.

• If the program crashes part way through an

iteration with file open errors, this is due to the
processor running out of memory. The model can
simply be restarted and the program will start from
where it left off.
New Versions
 New Version-2015

• The gas lift design and the flow correlation

option were included again.

• Has some new features like the perforation

design.
New Version-2015
New Version-2015
New Version-2015
New Version-2015
New Version-2015
New Version-2015
New Version-2015
New Version-2015
New Version-2015
Thank You