Process Design & Dynamic Simulation

The simulation of an oil and gas production facility is performed with proven process simulator and thermodynamic model to provide accurate heat and material balances. The process simulation is the first step for building a rigorous steady state and dynamic simulation model.

MSE uses VMG Sim and VMG Thermo for developing process designs of oil and gas production facilities as well as simulation packages such as HYSYS, PIPEPHASE and others.

A key deliverable of the process simulators is the compositional analysis of the field test data gathered from well samples, separator outlets and at various stages of a compression process. The compositional data is analysed using a variety of Equations of State (EOS) available in the thermodynamic packages. The normal simulations are performed with Peng Robinson or SRK; Lee Kessler and Lee Kessler Plocker are used for gas mixtures containing high concentrations of CO2 and H2S gases.

MSE also uses BWRS equation of state which are used extensively by the compressor manufacturers for compressor selection and performance prediction. BWRS is used for light hydrocarbon gases and provides more accurate results at very high pressures such as needed for gas injection and other applications.
The process simulations provide dew point, bubble point curves of gas mixtures as well as hydrate formation lines critical for testing and preventing hydrate formation strategies. In addition all processing unit operations can be modelled including heat exchangers, separators, expanders, turbine and pumps etc. This data is used for refrigeration and dew point control of gases and gas mixtures.

MSE also analyses the process equipment as currently installed and assess its suitability for new operating conditions. We analyse all the commonly used oil and gas equipment such as heat exchangers, separators, air-coolers and refrigeration equipment. This enables MSE to examine the entire processing facility when working on the re-design of compressors.

Dynamic Simulation


MSE developed proprietary dynamic simulation models of oil and gas production facilities as early as 1988. These models have been rigorously tested in the field, which has allowed MSE to develop bespoke compressor control system models from various specialist companies. MSE has modelled surge and process controllers from CCC as well as surge control systems from OEM such as Entronic Rolls Royce, Dresser and other leading manufacturers.

MSE has also built an extensive library of special equipment which is employed in the oil and gas production facilities. For example, in addition to gas turbine engines, we have developed models for fixed speed and variable speed electric motors and torque couplings which are often employed. The fixed speed motor with direct on line start is a special requirement and has to be modelled by taking into account the inertias, gas compression torque and the torque available from the motor at reduced voltage.

MSE performs analysis of the existing compression facilities where test data is extensively available and allows us to compare the results of our simulations with the field data.
MSE is selected by many operating companies as the consultant of choice when they are experiencing control problems with their existing compression facilities. This is due to MSE's excellent track record of having successfully resolved many control problems using their proprietary dynamic simulation models.