XPLORE Pipeline Calculation Module

The Xodus pipeline module utilises operational data, custom calculations, industry standard calculations and advanced simulation technology to provide a state of the art monitoring system analysing all aspects of pipeline operation and maintenance.

Each system is custom designed utilising the required functionality from the following list:
› Single phase or multiphase pipeline monitoring
› Corrosion and Erosion Monitoring
› Wax monitoring
› Hydrate Monitoring
› Cooldown curves
› Compositional Tracking
› Slug Monitoring / Flow Regime Predictor
› Real time / historical or predictive operating modes.

Single Phase or Multiphase Pipeline Operation
The pipeline module generally relies on running a dynamic pipeline model at the heart of the system. This is controlled using the Xodus Simulation Manager (XSM). The XSM operates at the core of the Xodus production monitoring and optimisation product suite in conjunction with the Xodus Data Manager (XDM). XSM links to the majority of simulation packages using OPC connectivity or bespoke data transfer tools. The simulation manager is used to control simulation runtime, convergence, solution times, solution robustness, data reconciliation and data flow to the XDM.
For pipeline monitoring we recommend and utilise either OLGA or Aspen Hydraulics for multiphase and single phase dynamic simulation. We recognise that this may be client driven therefore our independence enables us to select the most appropriate software

Corrosion and Erosion Monitoring
Reconciled operating data and simulation data are routed to the corrosion and erosion calculation modules. The user can specify either standard algorithms; Cassandra, NORSOK, Tulsa, Salamah and Venkatesh, API or proprietary algorithms. The algorithms will calculate the wall thickness and the corrosion/erosion allowance available. The calculations can be baselined using data from an intelligent pig run or from field data from corrosion probes or field signature monitors.

Wax Monitoring
The online model will continuously calculate the pipeline temperature profile therefore using either standard or proprietary wax models the wax build up can be predicted.

Hydrate Monitoring
Cooldown curves are continuously provided hence if the pipeline is shutdown hydrate inhibition can be optimized and monitored. The operator will be given a display showing how much time is left prior to blowing the pipeline down.

Compositional Tracking
Detailed compositional is predominantly used on single phase gas pipelines. This enables key components to be tracked and can provide valuable information of what MW or components will arrive at an onshore terminal.

Slug Monitoring/ Flow Regime Prediction
A flow regime map can be developed and shown on the web interface along with the current and historical operating point. This allows the operator to observe the effect of changing well line up and changing the pipeline GOR/ water cut.

Real time, Historical, Predictive, “What If” Modes
The XPLORE Pipeline Module can operate in any one of three modes. Real-time operation shows the current status of the pipeline. All of the measured and calculated data is saved to a historical database therefore the user can go back in time and review historical pipeline operation.
The pipeline always runs in predictive mode. Depending on the pipeline size and the complexity of the model we can predict up to 36 hours into the future. This is particularly useful for predicting slugging in multiphase pipelines and compositional changes in gas pipelines.
In “What If” mode the user can freeze the system and change any of the input parameters, for example the GOR, and review what happens to the pipeline operation. In this mode the real-time data is stored in the background and refreshed when real-time mode is reselected.

For more information contact:
Steve Hamilton, Director – Technology Division
Tel: +44 (0)1224 628307 Email: