2 replies to this topic

[raxza]

I don't know if I can ask this type of question....

My company wants to buy a pipeline simulation software for transmission purpose. Does anyone know (based on their experience using the software) the best software that can handle multiphase flow in the pipeline for slug prediction, hydrate formation prediction and also include compressor station design (compressor, after cooler etc etc)...

I've downloaded some of the brochure from the developer but I can't (of course) use them, so I want to ask anyone based on their experience.........

[Tommy]

Raxza,

I think that your aim could be satisfied by a process simulation software. Generally these kind of softwares allow you to model multiphase flow in pipes to calculate pressure losses, fluid speed , pipes rating, hydrates formation, etc....
Moreover you can use them to simulate and to size a process with a lot of equipments (compressors, turbines, heat exchangers, separators, distillation columns, etc...). The most important thing is the choice of the right thermodynamics model, but generally you can find many suggestions on the software guides.

Personally I used software like HYSYS, CHEMCAD and DESIGN II: the first two are very complete and are useful above all for refining and fine chemicals industry applications. DESIGN II is less famous and less striking, but it is good for gas processing modeling and has a lot of thermodynamics models. Another software, probably the most famous, is ASPEN.

I suggest you to require an evaluation copy of CHEMCAD (www.chemstations.com) and DESIGN II (www.winsim.com) so to try the various functions, you can use them for a two week period. Unfortunately HYSYS and ASPEN don't have this opportunity.

A final suggestion concern the price of the softwares: if your company wants to spend a few money DESIGN II will be the right choice, otherwise I think HYSYS, CHEMCAD or ASPEN will help you in the same way. The price difference between DESIGN II and the others is very high, also because it is sold in one package. The others are suite of different packages you have to buy separately.

I hope this it helps.

Tommy

P.S.: If you need more information please don't hesitate to write me.

[avsp]

At a basic level, you could use software like TGNET, TLNET for predicting surge pressures in pipelines besides doing the usual network analysis. For a more rigorous caclculation and for slug flow prediction, for example, you should consider using software like OLGA and NATASHA.

rgds.