Compact Separators – Modeling and Design
Scope
Since the early 1990s, the petroleum industry has shown keen interest in utilizing compact separators, which are simple, lowfootprint, low-weight, inexpensive, and easy to install and operate. This course presents the state-of-the-art of the design and application of compact separators, such as the Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC), Liquid Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (LLCC), Liquid-Liquid Hydrocyclone (LLHC), and Liquid Solid Hydrocyclone (LSHC) separators. The GLCC has the potential use for well testing metering systems, control of gas-liquid ratio (GLR) for multiphase meters, pumps and de sanders, gas scrubbing for flare gas and wet gas metering, external preseparation upstream of existing conventional separators, and primary surface or sub-sea separation, and is also being now considered for downhole applications.
General Content
The course starts with an introduction to compact separators covering the concept of multiphase compact separation systems, mechanistic models and separator’s design criteria, compact separator design simulators (GLCC, LLCC, LLHC, and LSHC). The course also addresses compact separation field application and design, including: separator size comparison, multiphase metering loops, pre-separation configurations, partial processing, and full phase separation setups. The concept of integrated compact multiphase separation systems is also presented, although it is covered in detail in a subsequent course.
Duration: 40 hours
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Modeling of Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flow in Pipes
Scope
Far from the traditional empirical approach for two-phase flow prediction, this course presents the recent approach in which mathematical mechanistic models for the prediction of two-phase flow behavior are developed, based on the physical phenomena. The course starts with an introduction to two-phase flow
phenomena and reviews the early "black box" flow pattern independent models. The main part of the course is a detailed study of models for predicting flow pattern transition boundaries, and separate models for each flow pattern for the prediction of the flow characteristics, such as the liquid holdup and the pressure drop. The analysis is carried out for vertical flow, horizontal and near horizontal flow, and inclined flow.
General Content
The first part of the course introduces the fundamentals of twophase flow phenomena, including occurrence, applications, and modeling approach; and then presents a brief review of the early black box models. Later, the course focuses on two-phase flow in pipelines and wellbores, covering existing empirical correlations, flow pattern prediction, stratified, bubble, annular and slug flow modeling, and overall model and evaluation of methods in both pipelines and wellbores. Similarly, the course describes the flow phenomena in inclined pipes, introducing flow pattern transitions in inclined pipes, unified modeling for flow pattern prediction, unified modeling for upward slug flow, unified twodimensional modeling for stratified flow, and finally presents a unified overall model for pipelines and wellbores. Applications, examples, as well as, used of specialized computer codes for multiphase flow pressure loss and flow pattern prediction are also covered in this course.
Duration: 40 hours
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Transient Two-Phase Flow Modeling
Scope
Analysis of transient two-phase flow in pipelines is very complex. It requires a solution of the continuity, momentum and energy equations for the gas and the liquid phases. A solution of these equations leads to computer codes, which are large and difficult to utilize. In addition, questions regarding well posedness and stability of the solution are still not clear. The objective of this course is to develop and understand the
principles of transient two-phase flow, and to shed light on some of the problems associated with the numerical solution. The course covers in detail the development of the two basic models used for transient flow calculations. These are the "Two Fluid Model" and "The Drift Flux Model". The Two Fluid Model treats the gas and the liquid phases separately, and consists of the 3 conservation equations for each of the phases, resulting in a total of 6 differential equations. The Drift Flux Model treats the two phases as a mixture, but allows slippage between the gas and the liquid. It consists of 4 equations, 3 equations for the mixture and a continuity equation for one of the phases. Characteristics, well posedness, and stability analysis will be carried out to ensure a proper solution. Upon completion of this course participants will gain knowledge of the fundamentals of transient two-phase flow and will be able to write their own transient codes.
General Content
The course content starts with a summary of steady-state twophase flow, and then gives an introduction of transient twophase flow phenomena and flow variables, mathematical tools and conservation laws. Then, it continues with a detailed discussion of the Two Fluid Model, including derivation, conservation equations, characteristics and well posedness, and stability analysis. The program covers in detail numerical schemes, including finite differences formulation; explicit schemes and implicit, including, the Backward, Forward,
Central, Staggered, Friedrichs’, Lax-Wendroff, and the Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy schemes. Theoretical considerations, such as, model consistency; compatibility, convergence, and stability are also presented. A simplified solution of transient two-phase flow in pipes, including simulation and behavior (experimental and modeling) is offered in Chapter IV. Finally, the course addresses "The Drift Flux Model" in detail and
incorporates some transient applications, like, pigging dynamics in two-phase flow pipelines.
Duration: 40 hours
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Production Optimization for Artificial Lift Systems using Nodal Analysis
Scope
The objective of this course is to provide an understanding of the fundamentals of single and two phase flow inflow and outflow performance relationships (IPR / OPR). The course encourages the use of software applications to solve nodal analysis systems with and without artificial lift. By the end of this course,
participants should be able to diagnose and optimize production in a reservoir-well and surface facility system.
General Content.
The course provides a review of single-phase flow concepts and introduces fundamentals of two-phase flow fluid mechanics and multiphase flow in pipes. After that, the course centers on inflow / outflow performance relationships, nodal analysis systems, nodal analysis for natural flow and artificial lift systems, nodal analysis for water and gas coning. The course embraces production optimization techniques for artificial lift systems using nodal analysis, providing practical experience through exercises and computer assignments.
Duration: 80 hours
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Beam Pumping for Engineers
Scope
Sucker rod pump was the first artificial lift method used to extract oil from underground until surface. All these years, sucker rod pump has demonstrated to be very reliable system that can be used wide operation condition. Therefore, around 80% of all wells at world wide are produced using sucker rod pumps. However, efficiency and cost-effective of this method is related with its correct design and component selection. This course mixes Sucker-Rod pumping systems’ fundamentals with some complex concept such as dynagraph interpretation. The program discusses system designs, components and operational parameters, and focuses on basic fundamental of sucker rod components with special attention on special completion using stimulated steam wells, heavy oil and gassy wells.
General Content
Introduction to Sucker-Rod pumping, Production Engineering fundamentals, system components, calculation of operational parameters, design based on API 11L and wave equation, instrumentation and control, pumping installation analysis, troubleshooting.
Duration: 40 hours
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Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESP) for Engineers
Scope
This course covers the ESP pumping systems’ fundamentals, including system design, components and operational parameters. It also presents risk & reliability assessment analysis for new prospects, and data uncertainty analysis. Finally, the course concentrates on production performance predictions, root-cause analysis using application software based on reliability analysis for ESP.
General Content
The course introduces basics of ESP technology and production engineering fundamentals. General ESP performance characteristics, elemental theory of blades and turbo-machines, components and systems, calculation of operational parameters, better ESP practices, and pumping installation analysis are covered in depth in the course. The course emphasizes fundamentals of ESP nodal analysis, ESP completions, and
systems’ design procedure. It revises concepts of risk & reliability assessment, uncertainty analysis, root-cause analysis for ESP new prospects and future production performance predictions. Other topics discussed in this course are instrumentation, control and troubleshooting; and special ESP applications including, cable suspended units, coiled tubing deployed systems, high water cut application on a coal methane reservoir, and deep water. The course promotes hands-on involvement though various exercises and computer assignments. This course is intended for operators and engineers with basic knowledge of the method. Discussions will include academic and real oilfield cases.
Duration: 40 hours
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Gas Lift Design and Optimization for Engineers
Scope
Gas lift is always the first option to evaluate when designing the well completion for oil production. Its reliability, cost-effective, quick design, easy operation, and low maintenance allow using this artificial lift method at different types of wells such as: gassy wells, deep wells, heavy oil wells, deepwater wells among others. It can even be used at new and Plateau reservoirs at onshore and offshore application. The correct selection of components and proper design is crucial at any installation. Hence, this course is oriented to offer tools to design, optimize, operate, diagnose and control gas lift wells. Several subjects regarding gas lift are explained and analyzed during the course including economic evaluation, gas distribution networks, gas compressor stations, and new completion schemes. Aspects related to: wireline, valve operation, unloading wells and troubleshooting are also explained in detail. Besides, the course concentrates on production performance predictions through academic software, and root-cause analysis is taught using application software based on reliability analysis. This course is intended for operators and engineers with basic knowledge of the method. Discussions will include academic and real oilfield cases.
General Content
Starting with a general overview of this artificial lift method, including, a comparison to other methods, the course then explains and describes each of the components of the system, with special emphasis on how to select and predict the performance of each main component of the system. Next, the design of continuous gas lift injection and compression systems, system performance, and completions are covered in detail. Finally, the course covers economic and optimization issues including gas distribution network and instrumentation and control strategies.
Duration: 40 hours
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Progressing Cavity Pumps (PCP) for Engineers
Scope
Heavy oil production presents diverse and complex challenges for production operators and engineers who must find alternatives to traditional production systems. On the other hand, the need for more efficient, reliable, flexible and cost-effective systems is always a concern to modern production operators and engineers. The Progressing Cavity Pump has demonstrated to be a suitable and reliable alternative to traditional artificial lift method at a wide range of conditions, and has been the most growing lift method in the last 10 years. However, the design and components selection of PCP wells is a challenging task which has been accomplished relying on “black box” models or simulators, or on the expertise of specialists. Therefore, this course was designed to provide participants the fundamental knowledge and skills to diagnose, design, optimize, and supervise PCP systems. Participants will be able to understand principles and theories behind the black box. The course emphasizes fundamentals aspects such as: completion schemes, nodal analysis applied to PCP design, and rod design for vertical and deviated wells. The use of commercial design and simulation software such as the Deysi-PCP will provide means to enhance the selection criteria of PCP and its components. Diagnosis, control and supervision of PCP wells, as well as failure analysis and inspection methods are also presented. The course is proposed for operators and engineers with basic knowledge of the method. Discussions will include academic and real oilfield cases.
General Content
The course is divided into five sections. The first section shows general aspects on PCP systems, components, geometry, general definitions, performance curves and applications. The second section introduces downhole applications. Therefore, a comprehensive description of all of the pumping system components is covered, including types of pumps available (elastomer, thermoplastic, and metallic PCP), completion schemes for gassy wells, deep wells, heavy oil wells, and special completions such as: ESPCP, steam wells and parallel PCP. Next, the course focuses on design and selection of PCP wells. In this section the basis of nodal analysis applied to positive displacement pumps is explained, including selection
methods (ISO, severity factor and constant efficiency), and rod design for vertical and deviated wells. Simulation software Deysi-PCP is used to provide practical training on these and related issues. Special attention is given to elastomer; dedicating a complete section on proper selection of stator material and interference according to operation conditions. Finally, diagnosis, control, operation and supervision of PCP wells are also covered, emphasizing failure analysis, inspection methods, installation and start up of system.
Duration: 40 hours
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Field Applications of Surface Facilities
Scope
This course discusses the methods of evaluating Oil, Water and Gas phase treatment and their corresponding processing equipment. It emphasizes application over theory by discussing many field cases to illustrate the concepts.
General Content
Characterization of Gas Crude and Saturated Steam, Water Hydrocarbon phase Behavior, Field Processing: Dehydration and Transport of Natural Gas, Field Processing of Crude Oil, Introduction to phase Separation and Multiphase Pumps, Root Cause Analysis.
Duration: 40 hours
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Gas Field Processing
Scope
This course concentrates on natural gas characterization and water-hydrocarbon behavior. The course centers on Design equipment for gas dehydration, selection of gas meters and Compressors, and design of gas transportation systems.
General Content
Discussion of natural gas characterization and water hydrocarbon behavior, preventing hydrates formation, design equipment for gas dehydration using glycol, selection of natural gas meters and compressors, design natural gas transportation systems, and performing failure analysis.
Duration: 40 hours
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Oilfield Processing and Produced Water Treatment
Scope
Oil, gas, water, and sand must be processed before sale, transport, re-injection or disposal. In general, production facilities’ job is to separate the well stream into three phases and also process these three phases into marketable products or dispose them within the environmental regulations requirements. Designing and selecting the appropriate equipment can improve production-processing facilities significantly. The course discusses the methods of evaluating each of the phase treatment, and their corresponding appropriate processing equipment. The course provides techniques for designing and selecting oil production facility equipments. It also introduces techniques for injection fluid characterization.
General Content
The course addresses the following issues: oil, water/crude-oil emulsions and gas characterization; design and selection of oil, water and sand treatment equipments; identifying oil, water, sand and gas treatment methods for production systems; design of gas-liquid separators for different applications; application of
crude oil dehydration, stabilization and sweetening methods; selection of crude oil meters and pumps; and produced water treatment for re-injection.
Duration: 40 hours
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Reservoir Fluids Characterization and PVT Analysis
Scope
The objective of this course is to provide a better understanding of produced fluids physical properties, reservoir fluids characterization techniques using PVT and production data, properties correlation using field data. The course also focuses on PVT sampling techniques and validation methods, and concentrates in the use of software developed for PVT validation and fluid properties characterization.
General Content
The course covers subjects such phase behavior, reservoir fluids characterization, black oil model (gas and liquid), compositional model, properties correlation, and the use of software for fluid properties characterization, PVT analysis, and PVT validation. The course material emphasizes the understanding and application of the different PVT validation techniques, including mass balance, density tests, and constant composition test. It also presents the technique to obtain the Combined PVT from both flash and differential liberations.
Duration: 40 hours
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