WITH OLGA
EXERCISES
FLOW ASSURANCE WITH OLGA - EXERCISES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. SLUGGING ....................................................................................... 3
1.1 Preliminary Pipeline Sizing ....................................................... 3
1.2 Terrain Slugging – Normal Operation....................................... 7
1.3 Terrain Slugging – Mitigation Alternatives ................................ 9
1.4 Production Ramp-up ...............................................................10
1.5 Decretisation Sensitivity (Optional)..........................................11
1.6 Slugtracking Module ...............................................................11
1. SLUGGING
The Harthun field has recently been discovered, located approximately 4.3 km due
south of the existing Wigoth Alfa platform in 255 m water depth. It is proposed to
develop this field via a single subsea wellhead and pipeline to the Wigoth Alfa
platform to allow the field potential to be fully assessed during an extended test
phase prior to full field development. The field will flow at production rates of
between 5 and 15 kg/s.
Wigoth Alfa is located in 270 m of water with the production deck located 30 m
above sea level. There is an existing 300 m long 4 inch riser on Wigoth Alfa which
was pre-installed during the construction phase of the platform to accommodate
future subsea field developments. The riser has an internal diameter of 0.1 m with
a wall thickness of 7.5 mm and no insulation.
The minimum ambient temperature can be assumed to be 6°C. The ambient heat
transfer coefficient, (from the outside of the pipe structure to the surroundings), can
be assumed to be 6.5 W/m²/K in the absence of any other data.
You are required to perform a study into the technical viability of producing Harthun
over Wigoth Alfa, taking account the following:-
pipeline size required,
production stability during both full production and well testing phases
insulation requirements during both normal production, well testing and
shutdown
establish any limitations due to the existing topsides facilities during both
normal operating and transient operations.
A number of hints have been prepared to help you to complete this task. It is
recommended that you read these prior to commencing each activity.
The first task is to establish the pipeline size and insulation level required to achieve
the desired production and turndown rates. This can be done by performing a
series of steady state simulations using an assumed pipeline profile. However,
there is very little information currently available, specifically, there is no seabed
profile with the only information being the water depth at the Harthun well and the
existing platform information. Consequently, you will need to assume a rough
pipeline profile.
You will need to establish the insulation thickness required, (initially assume 20
mm), to prevent both hydrate and wax formation in the pipeline during steady state
and turndown operations. It can be assumed for this case that the minimum
required arrival temperature at Wigoth Alfa is 27°C to avoid wax formation.
Assume that the flowing wellhead temperature for all cases is constant at 62°C in
the absence of any other data from the Production Department. You have been
FLOW ASSURANCE WITH OLGA – SLUGGING EXERCISE
advised that the maximum allowable pipeline inlet pressure is 80 bara at a flowrate
of 15 kg/s.
The pipeline roughness is assumed to be 0.028 mm. You can assume that the
topsides pipe work has an internal diameter of 0.1 m in line with the riser.
The fluid is thought to be very similar to the Wigoth wellstream fluid. In the absence
of any fluid compositions, the fluid files generated for Wigoth are to be used. They
may be found in the Harthun directory, (Wigoth.tab).
The steady state simulations should be performed for two flowrates, specifically, 5
and 15 kg/s. The former case will dictate the insulation levels required whilst the
latter will tend to dictate the pipeline internal diameter. The gas fraction for the
SOURCE should be set to -1.
HINTS:
This will create a complete case which can be run. Expand the case in the Model
View window so that the entire model can be visualised. The template now needs
to be edited to reflect the current project.
Remember to use the Verify button to establish where there are errors in the
simulations. Note that the case will run straight away but this will not be the case as
the case is modified.
It is good practise to modify the default labels to labels which make sense. This will
help not only you to understand the model but also the quality assurance checkers
and most importantly the course instructors to understand your model. For
example, the first material is steel, so change the label from the default ‘MATER-1’
to ‘Steel’, the second material, ‘MATER-2’, is insulation so rename it accordingly.
Two different wall structures will need to be defined, one for the pipeline, (with 20
mm of insulation), and a second for the riser (with no insulation).
FLOW ASSURANCE WITH OLGA – SLUGGING EXERCISE
The initial line sizing will be done using OLGA as a conventional steady state
simulator, therefore, the ENDTIME specified under INTEGRATION should be set to
the same value as the STARTTIME, i.e. 0 seconds.
The following output specifications will also need to be given as a minimum to allow
the results of the simulations to be visualised. Remember that the variables
specified in the OUTPUTDATA keyword will export the data to the *.out file which
allows the data to be viewed in a text editor. (This file contains a print of the input
file and certain other useful information from the case). Variables specified under
TRENDDATA and PROFILEDATA will be able to be viewed graphically using the
GUI.
Specify the following variables to be exported to the output file every hour.
Hold-up (HOL)
Pressure (PT)
Temperature (TM)
Flow Regime Indicator (ID)
Remember that some variables (HOL, PT and TM) are volume variables which are
averaged properties for each pipe section whilst ID is a boundary variable, i.e. it is
plotted at the edge of each pipeline section.
The flow regime indicator will output a code which corresponds to different flow
regimes. The flow regime codes are as follows:-
1 Stratified Wavy Flow
2 Annular Flow
3 Hydrodynamic Slug Flow
4 Dispersed Bubble Flow
Specify the following variables to be written to the trend file (*.tpl file) every 10
seconds, (DTPLOT on TREND in the Property window). The variables may be at a
particular point in the pipeline network or variables which relate to individual
flowpaths or to the entire simulation. These variables are of different type and
cannot be mixed in one single trend specification.
Plot flowline inlet pressure and temperature. Also plot pressure and temperature in
the last pipe on top of the platform. Note that this should be done on a separate
TRENDDATA entry.
Plot the total mass flowrate (GT), the gas mass flowrate (GG), the total liquid mass
flowrate (GLT), the volumetric gas flowrate (QG) and the volumetric flowrate of
liquid (QLT) out of the topsides piping. These should be plotted on a separate
TRENDDATA entry.
Plot the total amount of liquid (LIQC) in the pipeline as function of time. Again, this
should be done on a separate TRENDATA entry as LIQC is a different type of
variable from the other variables that you have specified.
Specify the following variables to be written to the profile file (*.ppl file) every 5
minutes.
Hold-up (HOL)
Pressure (PT)
Temperature (TM)
Flow Regime Indicator (ID)
Create and run the simulation at a rate of 5 kg/s to ensure that the file runs. Then
use a parametric study to create and run steady state simulations for flowrates of 5
and 15 kg/s over a range of pipeline internal diameters, i.e. 8, 10, 12 and 14 cm.
FLOW ASSURANCE WITH OLGA – SLUGGING EXERCISE
Establish the correct pipeline size first and then update the model prior to
performing establishing the insulation level required to achieve the desired arrival
temperature.
Once completed, the parametric study may be run by clicking on [Run Study]. View
the results as either a trend or a profile plot to establish the required pipeline
diameter and then update the base model with the correct pipeline diameter.
Note that the results from the parametric study are referred to by the case number
but can be edited in the graphical interface to allow the graphs to be more
descriptive. This is done by right clicking in the graph and selecting Configuration...
The name may be edited by clicking on the [Title] button.
As a result of the above steady state simulations, you should now have established
the pipeline size required to achieve the desired production rates and established
the minimum insulation level required on the pipeline. The pipeline model should
now be updated to reflect this configuration.
The Project Pipeline Engineer has now provided a more detailed pipeline profile
from Harthun to Wigoth Alfa. This profile is presented below.
FLOW ASSURANCE WITH OLGA – SLUGGING EXERCISE
It is suspected that terrain slugging may cause serious problems to the process
facilities on the platform due to the presence of a low point at the riser base. The
purpose of this exercise is to establish the possibility of severe slugging in the
Harthun riser.
Determine the extent of terrain slugging by varying the pipeline inlet flow rate (i.e. at
well head) by creating 3 different cases at flowrates of 5 kg/s, 10 kg/s and 15 kg/s
to avoid overwriting the results.
Each simulation should be run for 2 hours, i.e. remember to change the ENDTIME
in INTEGRATION to 2 hours.
HINTS:
Create a new project called {Slugging.opp} and open the steady state case with the
correct insulation level.
Duplicate and name the new case {Slug 5.opi}. It is recommended that the original
case is removed from the new project to avoid inadvertent editing. Make the
necessary changes to {Slug 5.opi} and run the simulation. Duplicate {Slug 5.opi}
two times (once the original file is correct), call the new files {Slug 10.opi} and {Slug
15.opi} and change the flowrate accordingly. Note that this study could also be
performed using a parametric study but in this case use separate cases as the
results will be required for subsequent simulations and some simulations will be
modified later.
The pipeline profile can be edited directly in the Geometry window. Additional
points can be added in the pipeline by right clicking on the pipe name after which
FLOW ASSURANCE WITH OLGA – SLUGGING EXERCISE
the new position is to be inserted. The pipes can then be re-ordered by selecting
<Tools> <Reset Pipe Labels>. You will need to redefine the TRENDDATA positions
if the pipes are re-ordered. The recommended profile for this case is presented
below. Note the transition in PIPE-5 from the pipeline section lengths to the riser
section length, (3 sections of 200 m followed by a section of 150 m, a section of 100
m and a final section of 50.125 m).
Compare the cases by checking the total liquid volume flow out of the flowline and
the pressure at the inlet using trend plots. It is also recommended that the flow
regime is checked along the length of the pipeline for each case.
Topsides Choking.
What is the valve opening required to stabilize the flow at 5 kg/s and what is the
down side of this option?
Gas Lift
Start with the Gas Lift cases create earlier. Add a gas SOURCE at the riser base.
You will need to think about how you add only gas at the riser base.
Try lift gas rates of 0.2, 0.6 and 1.2 kg/s. Use a gas source temperature of 32°C.
How much gas injection is required to avoid the slugging problems at 5 kg/s
(without choking)? What other issues may present problems with this option?
This case introduces the concept of changing variables over time. Investigate the
effect of increasing the rate from 5 to 15 kg/s over 1 minute.
Simulate for 1 hour at 5 kg/s, ramp up the rate over 1 minute to 15 kg/s and
simulate the second hour at this rate. A time series can be entered by clicking on
the Timeseries icon, ( ) in the Properties window. The following window will
appear. Enter the data to generate the graph as shown.
FLOW ASSURANCE WITH OLGA – SLUGGING EXERCISE
You may also wish, (time permitting) to check the impact of the pipeline
decretisation on the results of the 5 kg/s case, i.e. the effect of increasing the
number of sections in each pipe.
Try increasing the number of pipe sections by 2 times, 5 times and 10 times and run
each simulation. These should be prepared as separate cases to allow the results
to be compared.
What is the down side of increasing the number of pipe sections? Have we gained
any more information on the pipeline operation?
Duplicate the {Slug 15.opi} case and save it with a different name for example
{Slugtracking 15.opi}.
It is important to specify the relevant output variables before you start the
simulation. Add the boundary variable ACCLIQ at PIPE_7, Section 3. (ACCLIQ is
the accumulated total liquid volume flow on a pipe boundary and is a boundary
variable so it can be added to one of the existing TRENDDATA entries).
You may also add slug tracking trend plot variables at PIPE_6, Section 1 and at
PIPE_7, Section 1. LSLEXP which is the length of a slug when the given boundary
is within that slug. Run the case for 2 hours and inspect the result.
You should also turn on the DEBUG option under OPTIONS in the Model View
window. This will generate slug statistics in the output file.
To make a partly automatic calculation of liquid slug and surge volume, plot the
accumulated liquid volume at the pipeline outlet as a trend plot and right click in the
graph. Select <Dataset> <Copy Data> and paste the data into an Excel
spreadsheet.
In the Excel spreadsheet, perform the following calculation on the ACCLIQ time
series:
FLOW ASSURANCE WITH OLGA – SLUGGING EXERCISE
For Qdrain, one can use the average liquid flow rate or, if known, the maximum drain
capacity of the inlet separator.
Open the output file from the icon in the output toolbar to view the slug statistics.
FLOW ASSURANCE WITH OLGA – PVTSIM EXERCISE
Open PVTsim.
Then select <Fluid> <Enter New Fluid>, (or click on the button in the Fluid
Management window), to enter a new fluid into the database. The following
window appears.
Enter the composition for the fluid “Condensate00” given in the table below:
FLOW ASSURANCE WITH OLGA – PVTSIM EXERCISE
The “C9” component is a plus component (if the fluid has a plus component, the last
component is always considered to be the plus component). No experimental data
is given.
Check Save CHAR Fluid and then click [OK] in the fluid window. The fluid is now
characterized (i.e. the heaviest component is broken down into a number of new
pseudo components). The characterised fluid becomes the last fluid in the
database and is to be used for the remainder of the exercise.
the toolbar. The following results window will appear. Note that there is a [Save
Phase] button. This allows the individual gas and liquid phase compositions to be
saved to the database as separate fluids. This is useful when recombining
wellstream fluids to achieve a specific GOR.
Generate an OLGA fluid property file with the file name {condensate00.tab} using
the [OLGA 2000] button on the Interfaces window or by clicking the OLGA 2000
icon, ( ), on the toolbar. (The Interfaces window is opened from either
<Windows> <Interfaces> or from the Simulations window.)
Use GasCond for Fluid Label. Use the defaults for the other input, click [OK] and
wait until the window below appears. Close the window and click [Cancel].
FLOW ASSURANCE WITH OLGA – PVTSIM EXERCISE
In this exercise, you shall make an OLGA fluid property file for the Harthun oil using
PVTsim. The composition for the fluid “Harthun” is given below:
Complete the following activities as for the gas condensate fluid above:-
Input the Harthun composition as a new fluid.
Make a phase envelope using Phase Envelope option.
Make a PT flash at 15°C and 1 bara using the PT flash option.
Generate an OLGA fluid property file termed {Harthun.tab}. Use ‘Harthun’
for the fluid label.
The OLGA fluid property file should contain data for two phases only. Everything
else is as per the default settings in PVTsim.
Select <Fluid> <Database> from the PVTsim main menu. Duplicate the
composition Condensate. The duplicated composition appears as the last
composition and is identical to the original, see below.
Select the duplicated composition, change the name to “Three phase” and add 0.05
mole % of water to the total composition and press Normalize.
Use “GasCondWet” for the fluid label, the defaults for everything else and generate
the new fluid property file.
FLOW ASSURANCE WITH OLGA – TRANSIENT EXERCISE
Temperature Hydrate
[°C] Pressure
[bara]
-20 2.1
-15 2.7
-10 3.4
-5 4.2
0 5.3
5 11.4
10 23.3
15 48.6
18 78.2
20 138.9
21.1 200.0
At the end of the shutdown, the operator will then have two options, namely to
restart production or to depressure the pipeline to ensure that the pipeline contents
remain outside hydrate formation conditions in the event that production cannot be
restarted. The liquid surge volume out of the pipeline for both the start-up and
depressurisation options will be determined along with the gas rate to flare.
The Production Engineers have also provided the proposed well profile and the
expected reservoir conditions. You have been requested to include the wellbore in
the simulation model to allow the interactions between the well and the flowline to
be assessed.
The wellbore is a 1,000 m long deviated pipe with an inclination of 45° followed by
an 800 m long vertical pipe to the wellhead. The tubing has an inner diameter of
0.101 m and the thickness of the tubing wall is 6.88 mm. The inner roughness of
the tubing is assumed to be 0.025 mm.
The formation outside the tubing can be approximated by a 0.6 m thick concentric
formation layer. The formation layer should be modelled as a number of layers.
The physical properties of the formation rock are given below
Assume a linear geothermal temperature gradient between the perforations and the
seabed (70C to 6C).
HINTS:
Create a new project and use the {Slug 5.opi} case as the base case. Duplicate the
original case and call the new case {Shutdown.opi}. The original case should then
be removed from the project.
Create a new node to represent the bottom of the wellbore and name it Reservoir.
Define the X and Y coordinates based on the information below. You will also need
to redefine one of the existing nodes as it changes from being a terminal node.
(See the following sketch.)
Wigoth
Separator
Elev. = +30
Sea Level (LAT) Elev. = 0
Harthun
Wellhead Harthun Pipeline
Elev. = -255
Harthun
Wellbore
Elev. = -1,762
Harthun
Reservoir
Add a new WALL structure with the formation layer included (divide this layer into
six layers with thicknesses of 10, 20, 40, 80, 150 and 300 mm).
Add the two new wellbore pipes as a separate FLOWPATH named Harthun
Wellbore. Note that the X coordinates are relative to the wellhead and the Y
coordinates are relative to the sea level or LAT;-
Wellhead 0 -255 4
You are to use the new Harthun fluid composition provided for the PVTsim exercise.
The fluid property file to be used is {Harthun.tab}.
The formula for a linear IPR is Q = A + B*P. You need to specify A and B for both
Production and Injection (corresponds to specifying backflow conditions). The well
productivity index, (PI or BPROD) and injectivity index, (II or BINJ) is assumed to be
0.000003 kg/s/Pa. Set the AINJ and the APROD to 0. The WELL is located at the
middle of the wellbore.
Add two new valves located at the Harthun Wellhead, (PIPE 2, section 5) and at the
Harthun Riser, (PIPE 7, section 2). The wellhead valve has a diameter of 0.089 m
and the platform valve has a diameter of 0.1 m.
You are to run the revised model for a 2 hour period followed by an 8 hour
shutdown.
HINTS:
FLOW ASSURANCE WITH OLGA – TRANSIENT EXERCISE
Both valves shall be fully open for the first two hours of the simulation. Close the
wellhead valve and the platform valve simultaneously over a period of 60 seconds
to shutdown the production. Simulate a shut-in period of 8 hours. The total
simulation time adds up to 10 hours, (ENDTIME = 10 h).
Add the variable DTHYD to the PROFILE plot for each FLOWPATH and use this
variable to evaluate the insulation requirements.
HINTS:
Select the INTEGRATION window and change the ENDTIME to 12 hours and
delete the STARTTIME. This will ensure that the end time from the Shutdown
simulation is used as the start time for the Start-up simulation.
Run the simulation and estimate the maximum surge volume in the slug catcher
during start-up. Assume a separator liquid drain rate equal to the average steady
state liquid production from the first two hours of the case {Shutdown.opi}. Use the
variable ACCLIQ and/or QLT to establish the required surge volume. Do not forget
to open the valves!!!!
Can the surge volume at start-up be reduced using a different start-up procedure?
The pipeline must be depressurised to avoid hydrate formation in the event that the
pipeline cannot be restarted immediately following the shutdown. A 2”NB (5 cm ID)
manual valve to flare is provided upstream of the Wigoth Separator isolation valve.
You are required to confirm that the pipeline can be depressurised through this
valve without the fluid temperature falling into the hydrate formation region. You are
also to confirm the total liquid volume generated during the depressurisation
operation and check to make sure that the flare capacity is not exceeded.
The wellhead and riser valves will be left closed during the depressuring simulations
which will be performed by modelling the route to flare as a LEAK.
Add a LEAK in the pipe section immediately upstream of the topsides isolation valve
with a diameter of 5 cm. (A LEAK is an item of Process Equipment). The leak
should have a back pressure of 5 bara corresponding to the flare system
FLOW ASSURANCE WITH OLGA – TRANSIENT EXERCISE
Run the simulation and confirm that the fluid temperature in the pipeline does not
fall into the hydrate formation region. Also check the peak gas and liquid rates and
the total volume of liquid generated during the depressurisation.
The Compositional Fluid file you require is located in the PVTsim directory and is
called {Harthun.ctm}.
You are required to duplicate the depressuring case {Depressure.opi} and rename it
{Depressure CompTrack.opi}. There are a number of other modifications required
to change the new file to run in compositional tracking mode. Make the necessary
changes and run the simulation.
Compare the results with those from {Depressure.opi} and explain the differences.
FA WITH OLGA – GAS CONDENSATE EXERCISE
A preliminary case has been prepared called {Initial.opi} which may be found in the
Gas Condensate directory. This file has not been completed and a very rough
pipeline profile has been assumed.
Your task is to get the file to run and then to modify the pipeline profile to reflect the
geometry supplied by your Pipeline Engineer as a tabulation of x-y coordinates in
the file {geo.xy}.
The pipeline outlet pressure is 1015 psia. The fluid inlet temperature is 120F. The
wall thickness of the pipeline is 0.5 inches, the pipeline is buried and the ambient
temperature is 3C. The burial is modelled by adding two 1 ft thick layers of soil to
the wall.
Duplicate the original case {Initial} and save the new case as {Simplified.opi}.
Expand out the file structure in the Model View window.
Left click and drag one of the tabs down to allow the data entry window and the
flowpath profile graph to be viewed together by creating a new horizontal tab group
as shown below.
Enter the Diameter (19 inches) and Roughness (0.0018 inches) in the first row as
shown above. These values will become the default values when the new geometry
is imported.
Select <File> <Import…> and select the file {Geo.xy}. (Note that it is also possible
to cut and paste from excel.)
FA WITH OLGA – GAS CONDENSATE EXERCISE
Save this new geometry as {SIMPLIFIED.geo}. You will now need to define the
Wall structure for each pipe. This can be done by using standard windows copy
and paste functions.
The next step is to check the angle distribution by selecting <Tools> <Check Angle
Distribution>. The following Angle Distribution window will appear.
The colour of the bars and the % values in the output window indicate the difference
between the average angle of the pies within an angle group and the average value
of the angle group. Green, (and a low % deviation) represents a good match
whereas red (and a high % deviation) represents a poor match. The angle groups
can be modified to provide a better match.
Save the new geometry as {FILTERED.geo}. Now compare the results by selecting
the respective graphs in the Geometry Editor window.
The angle distributions should also be checked to ensure that there is a reasonable
match.
FA WITH OLGA – GAS CONDENSATE EXERCISE
The filtered geometry will now be used as the new pipeline profile. Close the
{Actual.geo}. Enter the pipeline Diameter (19 inches), Roughness (0.0018 in) and
Wall definition (WALL-1) in the tabular format. (The units may be changed by right
clicking on the column heading). Note that the cells may be Copied and Pasted
using standard windows protocols.
Save the geometry as {SIMPLIFIED.geo} and select <File> <Exit>. The pipeline
geometry should now be updated.
Rename PIPE : PIPE-1 to INLET and the last pipe to OUTLET. The case should
now be ready to simulate.
Make a graph of the inlet pressure and the liquid inventory as function of flowrate
(Excel). Try to explain the form of the inlet pressure curve.
Plot the Total Liquid Content (LIQC) and the Pipeline Inlet Pressure (PT) as trends.
FA WITH OLGA – GAS CONDENSATE EXERCISE
The pig supplier has provided the following data for the pig;-
TYPE = SHORT
INSERTTIME = 90 minutes
STATICFORCE = 19000 N
WALLFRICTION = 9500
LINEARFRIC = 0
QUADRATICFRIC = 4750
MASS = 275 kg
DIAMETER = 19 inches
LEAKAGEFRACTOR = 0
You are required to determine the surge volume required at the pipeline outlet to
handle the pig generated liquid surge.
HINTS:
The simulation should be run for 60 minutes at a constant flowrate of 80 kg/s. Then
start to reduce the flowrate from 80 to 20 kg/s over 30 minutes and insert the pig
after 90 minutes.
Run a short case to measure the pig velocity. Assume that the pipe length is 70 km
and calculate arrival time for the pig. The flowrate should then be increased to 80
kg/s starting 30 minutes after the pig has arrived at the trap. Now complete the
case with ramp-up from 20 to 80 Kg/s over 30 minutes and simulate for a total
period of 24 h.
Calculate the require surge capacity in the slug catcher using the spreadsheet
generated for the Slug Tracking exercise. Assume a drain rate equivalent to 1.2
times the volumetric liquid flowrate at the pipeline outlet for a production flowrate of
100 kg/s, (from the steady state simulations). (The additional capacity represents
the over design inherent in any control valve.)
Add the variables UPIG and ZZPIG to the TREND plot file.
FA WITH OLGA – GAS CONDENSATE EXERCISE
You should also use the PLOT keyword to allow the hold-up profile in the pipeline to
be visualised during the pigging operation.
Create a new case and run at a steady state flowrate of 100 kg/s for 1 hour.
Reduce the flowrate to 40 kg/s over a 30 minute period and run for a further 48
hours. Increase the flowrate again to 100 kg/s over a further 4 hour period and run
for more 8 hours. The total simulation time should be 61.5 h. Be sure to adjust
plotting frequencies and DTOUT in the OUTPUT in order to avoid generating large
output, trend and profile plot files.
Determine the size of the liquid surge volume required at the pipeline outlet and
compare with the pigging case? What can be done to reduce the required surge
volume.
FLOW ASSURANCE WITH OLGA – WATER EXERCISE
Create a new project under the gas Condensate directory called {Three Phase.opp}.
Open the case {Simplified.opi}, create a duplicate case called {Water 60.opi} and
remove the original case from the project to avoid inadvertent editing. Change the
inlet flowrate to 60 kg/s.
Use the fluid properties file threephase00.tab which you made in the PVTsim
exercise (remember to modify the label in the FILES keyword and change the
FLUID label for the flowpath).
The WATERFRACTION in the SOURCE should be set to 0.05, (i.e. the inlet fluid
contains 5% by weight of free water ignoring any saturated water in the gas phase).
The integration time should be set to 2.5 days. Make sure plotting frequency is
reasonable.
Add the plotting variable total water content in the flowpath (WATC) to the TREND
plot keyword and water volume fraction (HOLWT) to the PROFILE plot.
HINTS:
OIL Ltd
Fax
To: Academy of Petroleum DynamicsFrom:
Fax: + 47 64 84 45 00 Pages: 2
We are considering a 5.6 mile (9 km) tie-back pipeline in relatively shallow waters to
one of our existing platforms offshore Abu Dhabi. In the initial production phase the
flow is stable, practically single phase oil. Our concern is flow stability as gas
break-through is expected to occur in year 4 of the production. The GOR is
expected to go from 280 to 985 Sft³/Sbl in year 4. We need some preliminary flow
stability analysis to establish whether our concern is justified with a GOR of 985
Sft³/Sbl ( 175 Sm³/Sm³).
Some data:
Please find attached the reservoir composition (which has a GOR of 1125 Sft³/Sbbl)
and a rough drawing of the pipe profile. A quick reply would be highly appreciated.
Best Regards
Project coordinator
OIL E.P.
FLOW ASSURANCE WITH OLGA – TEST EXERCISE
Fluid analysis
Component Mol %
N2 0.69
CO2 0.54
C1 54.85
C2 4.85
C3 2.23
IC4 2.15
NC4 2.44
IC5 2.56
NC5 5.31
C6 5.57
C7+ 18.81
C7+ properties:
Molecular weight = 350 kg/kmol, Density = 870 kg/m3
80 ft (24 m)
131 ft (40 m)
Adjust the elevation of the last pipe in the flowline so that it is horizontal.
Add an additional pipeline section at the end of the pipeline for the
separator. (Hint: This section can have the same diameter as the rest of the
pipeline, but the volume should be equal to the separator volume.) The
separator is 8 feet in diameter and 20 ft long.
Add two 150 m long sections after the section with the separator. These
sections will model the separator gas outlet.
Add a controller for liquid level control in the separator. The controller
should have an amplification factor of 10, and integral constant of 1E10, and
a derivative constant of 0. It should hold the level at 25% of the vessel
height (Hint: OLGA uses the term HOL to indicate fraction of vessel
volume).
Add a vertical two-phase separator. OLGA asks for a “train” variable, which
in this case is gas, since the geometry we defined downstream of the
separator is the gas outlet. Use 3-inch valves for the oil level control valve
and emergency drain valve. The backpressure for the two valves should be
300 and 200 psia respectively. Use a CD of 1 for the valves. The “high-
high” level is set at 40% of the volume, while the low level switch is set at
15% of the volume. The emergency dump reset is at 50% of the volume.
Add trend plot variables for gas flow at the separator gas outlet (GG), liquid
level in the separator (LIQLV), oil mass flow at the separator normal oil drain
and the emergency oil drain (GNODHL and GEODHL). Also add the
controller output (CONTR) for the liquid level controller, which will give the
opening of the oil level control valve.
Run the simulation for 15 hours and observe the liquid level in the separator and the
liquid flow out of the separator to see if the level controller is working correctly.
Check the controller output for the level controller to determine if the sizing of the
liquid drain valve is reasonable.
FLOW ASSURANCE WITH OLGA – SEPARATOR EXERCISE