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Benefits of Dynamic Simulation for Integrated Pipelines and Facilities Modeling in the Midstream Sector
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Agenda • Overview of Dynamic Simulation • Overview of Multiphase Flow Modeling • Dynamic Multiphase Flow Application Case
Studies • Dynamic Plant Application Case Studies • Summary
*All screenshots taken from VMGSim
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Overview of Dynamic Simula3on
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Typical Modeling Lifecycle
Steady State Rating Model
Conceptual Design Model
SS and Dynamic Shadow Models
Dynamics Rating Model
Conceptual Studies
Front End Design
Detail Design
Training & Commissioning
Monitor and Optimize
Screening Studies Technology selection Economic Justification Base Case Optimization
FEED Off design cases Process Studies Equipment Design
Datasheets Flare design
Improved Startup Controls Testing Loop Tuning Loop Checkout
Operations Planning Training
Profit Improvements Troubleshooting Emissions APC Optimization Performance Modeling Real time models
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What is Rigorous Dynamic Simulation?
• Imposes time dependency on T, P, Q, Z and holdups
• Transient pressure gradients and flow resistances define transient flowrates
• Solves pressures and flows simultaneously using a network solver
• Energy and composition balances solved for each unit operation
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Why Dynamic Simulation? • Operations are inherently
dynamic, not at steady state
• Promotes understanding of responses to simulated process transients
• Creates a realistic virtual plant by incorporating equipment sizes/geometry and actual control schemes
• Adds fidelity to model (i.e. time-dependent heat transfer with surroundings)
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Simulate Process Operability During
Upsets
Evaluate Process Equipment and
Control Strategies
Develop Start Up, Shutdown and
Operating Procedures
Perform Regulatory Control System
Configuration and Tuning Studies
Carry Out Step-Testing in an Offline
Environment
Complete Rigorous Blowdown/
Depressuring Safety Studies
Evaluate Relief Loads From Fires,
Reflux Pump, Power Failures, Etc.
Benefits of a Dynamic Model
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Overview of Mul3phase Flow Modeling
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Dynamic Mul3phase Flow Applica3on Case Studies
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Dynamic Plant Applica3on Case Studies
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Case Study – GSP Cryogenic Gas Plant • Realistic modeling of a GSP
cryogenic gas plant requires: – High fidelity turbo-expander to
mimic true performance – Linked shaft w/ inertial torque
limit to capture realistic transient lags
– Rigorous plate fin exchanger to predict accurate heat transfer & dP
– Detailed tower and chimney tray w/ static head & friction to predict circulation rates
– Control loops and controller tunings to reproduce control system behavior
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Case Study – GSP Cryogenic Gas Plant • Scenario: Transition
from JT mode to turbo-expander mode, track C2 and C3 recoveries
• Live case here
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Case Study – Flare Network • Realistic model of a flare network must consider:
– Initial accumulation and line packing in flare network – Volumes & fluid inventories of process equipment in network – Accurate models of blowdown valves, piping, relief devices
and tees/manifolds – Transient accumulation differences between peak flow in
and peak flow out – Changing backpressures, temperatures and phases/flow
regimes as fluid flows through the network. – Reverse flow situations from high-P to low-P volumes – Detailed choke and multiphase flow methods – Actual flows (not rated flows) at each transient moment – Time-dependent blowdown sequencing/scenarios
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Case Study – Flare Network
• Scenario: Flare network with multiple sources - most flare systems have multiple lines discharging into a common header
• Live case here.
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Summary • A software tool that has steady state and transient/
dynamic capabilities improves midstream engineering productivity
• A software tool that rigorously models both transient multiphase flow in pipelines and integrated plant equipment can unlock additional profitability
• Virtual models of pipelines and plants are used to analyze process configuration, equipment sizes/geometry, control strategy and controller tuning, safety studies, malfunctions/trips and operating procedures