Opinions on PipeSim vs. PipeFlow or any other surface piping software
Opinions on PipeSim vs. PipeFlow or any other surface piping software
(OP)
Any experiences out there on which is the better or preferred pipeline simulation software?
Looking at application for typical oil field development, 3 phase flow.
Something that is user friendly and relatively accurate.
Also, contact details of any retailers.
Thanks
ITM
Looking at application for typical oil field development, 3 phase flow.
Something that is user friendly and relatively accurate.
Also, contact details of any retailers.
Thanks
ITM





RE: Opinions on PipeSim vs. PipeFlow or any other surface piping software
The exercise was really useful. Some of the bonehead things I found were:
- One program had a built in bias to flow from low-numbered nodes to high-numbered nodes. This bias eliminated an excelent system modification because it wouldn't allow reverse flow. You can find this error by building a test model, running it, renumbering the nodes, and run it again -- if the output from the two runs are not identical then "Houston we have a problem" and I would reject the program without further testing.
- One program had an (undocumented) limit of 5 loop lines (one of my systems had 35).
- One program came to an Abnormal End (ABEND with indeciferable code) if you used the capability to loop a line and end up in a different point than the first line ended.
- Several programs lacked the "knobs" to "tweak" the program into compliance with the observed data (i.e., you couldn't do a calibration run).
- One of the systems had two off-take points and they would reverse the flow in the pipe between them with 1/2 psi change in one of the pressures -- three of the five programs would fail when the flow reversed.
You will be using this program to predict the outcome of millions of dollars of construction -- relying on the old adage "if its on green-and-white, its right" is simply irresponsible.
David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering
www.muleshoe-eng.com
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
The Plural of "anecdote" is not "data"
RE: Opinions on PipeSim vs. PipeFlow or any other surface piping software
No program will be perfect, but other than using free internet availabe 'quick calc' programs or working from 1st principles and literature, was looking for a decent program that will cover most of our needs.
ITM
RE: Opinions on PipeSim vs. PipeFlow or any other surface piping software
I have to keep reminding myself that the world is a very large place with many cultural norms. Statements which are perfectly civil in one culture can be perceived as offensive in another. I'm sure that where you are at it is acceptable to use exclaimation points and all caps when rejecting free advice that you had solicited, I'm just being overly sensitive to take offense at it.
I'm quite sorry that you found my response worthless - I guess you get what you pay for. Maybe someone else will get some value from it.
David
RE: Opinions on PipeSim vs. PipeFlow or any other surface piping software
I am trying to solicit folks out there that may be users of certain programs, and then to simply indicate some opinion of which programs they liked or did not like, some reasons or good/bad points, and a suggested retailer.
The review you provided is informative, but with no mention of the programs, hard to gleen anything from it. For example, I can say I have used HYSIM for process simulations and SULSIM for Sulphur Plant Optimization and found both very useful.
For pipelines, from my review, seems like PipeFlow and PipeSim are popular. PipeSim is also offered through Schlumberger Technical Services as part of a package (it can do much more than just flowlines).
Am looking for user feedback. How was that, no exclamation marks ! Ok.... one.
ITM
RE: Opinions on PipeSim vs. PipeFlow or any other surface piping software
If you saw a positive or negative post here, how would you know if it is valid or just an affiliate with the vendor’s program?
RE: Opinions on PipeSim vs. PipeFlow or any other surface piping software
Like I said, I work in a difficult environment (North Africa) where support and ease of communication is not at ones fingertips. I have tried to contact BakerJardine and associates, who are listed as suppliers of PipeSim, with no response. Have tried another one as well, same result. Maybe it is the Christmas period that is holding up the responses. Yep, I would love to get Demos if I knew where the suppliers are, what options are out there and who are the suppliers.
That is why I was reaching out to this forum, for some of this information. How can I ask for a Demo of a program that I do not know exists, let alone do not know the supplier?
The only two I have heard of is PipeFlow and PipeSim.
The environment I am in is tough, but the money is great.
Regards,
InTheMoney
RE: Opinions on PipeSim vs. PipeFlow or any other surface piping software
As for accuracy, most of the simulators use published correlations, flow maps and equasions of state, so provided there's no hidden problems in the prgramme such as those described by Zdas, then it's up to you to pick the best EOS, correlation etc.
Pipesim is now part of SLB, who in my experience, don't always have a great track record in supporting their software (the OFM helpdesk is appalling- I often seem to know more about it than they do!) so that may be an issue.
Another steasdy state pipeline simulator I'm aware of is Pipephase, which I've never used. Someone here may have some user experience of Pipephase to pass on.
RE: Opinions on PipeSim vs. PipeFlow or any other surface piping software
Yes, I submitted a request to BigBlue about 2 weeks ago, tried calling, sent 3 e-mails. No response. Again, maybe because it is around Christmas. But based on this, I have to agree with your comments from my experience to date.
Will keep trying to find a supplier for PipeFlo and try to compare the two.
Thanks.
ITM
RE: Opinions on PipeSim vs. PipeFlow or any other surface piping software
In the UK North Sea sector, Pipesim/Pipesim-Net is widely used for steady state hydraulic & thermal Analysis. It is quite user friendly, but occasionally come across convergance problems especially for networks.
I have also used Pipephase (SimSci) in the past, it was less user friendly, but fewer convergance issues.
Good understanding of flow assurance issues is required, as selection of the correltaion could have a bigger impact than the software simulator.
For Transient analysis (cooldown, warm-up, depressurisation etc.) Olga is used.
Al