Olga 2024 Now available
Friday, 15 December 2023
The Olga™ dynamic multiphase flow simulator models transient flow (time-dependent behaviors) to maximize production potential. Transient modeling is an essential component for feasibility studies and field development design. Dynamic simulation is essential in deep water and is used extensively in both offshore and onshore developments, to investigate transient behavior in pipelines and wellbores. Transient simulation with the Olga simulator provides an added dimension to steady-state analysis by predicting system dynamics, such as time-varying changes in flow rates, fluid compositions, temperature, solids deposition, and operational changes. From wellbore dynamics, for any well completion to pipeline systems with various types of process equipment, the Olga simulator provides an accurate prediction of key operational conditions involving transient flow.
Olga simulator single phase
In Olga 2024.1 we are introducing the first stage release of our Olga simulator single phase solution. This will be a lighter and faster version of the Olga simulator for handling single phase only. The improved version of the Olga simulator will minimize set of calculations required for pure single-phase flow to maximize simulation speed. In this way we can considerably improve efficiency and usability for the Olga simulator, when applied to single phase systems such as hydrogen simulations.
The following modifications are made:
Compositional tracking with Symmetry™ process simulation software
Olga 2024.1 is released with the possibility of using the Symmetry software fluids engine as an option for compositional tracking. Symmetry software can be selected as the compositional engine under COMPOPTION in the Olga simulator. The Symmetry software fluids engine is a powerful and accurate thermodynamics engine, part of the SLB software offering, bringing consistent thermodynamics from pore to product. The Symmetry software fluids engine is at the core of Symmetry software and has been imbedded in other software products including the Pipesim™ steady-state multiphase flow simulator. The Symmetry software fluids engine contains the most advanced simulation technology for fluids and has been extensively and continuously validated with data from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Its fluid characterization system contains not only the traditional characterization techniques but also includes the molecular structure based fluid characterization enabling better modeling of the fluid’s properties since it considers not only physical properties but also chemical structures within the fluid. The Symmetry software fluids engine is completely tunable since components and equations of state (EOS) parameters can be modified to match experimental data.
Switch transient off for part of network
Olga 2024.1 is released with the possibility of freezing the transient calculations for a branch. This is done by adding “SIMULATIOINOPTIONS” for a flow path and setting the transient key to “FREEZE” or “NOFLOW”. If “FREEZE” is selected, no calculations are done for the flow path. If “NOFLOW” is selected only temperature calculations are conducted where only thermal capacity of the fluid is considered.
Further details on changes to Olga 2024.1 can be found in the Olga simulator release notes which are available for download via the production software download server on the SLB Software Download Center.
Update of Multiflash library
The KBC Multiflash™ library has been updated from the previous release from 7.3 to 7.4. Version 7.4 has the following important updates:
The new version also contains several minor bug-fixes. The binary interaction parameters were updated for a few binaries, with a view of improving the modelling around Carbon Capture applications.
IKH and VKH indicators in the Olga simulator
Olga 2024.1 is released with inviscid Kelvin–Helmholtz (IKH) and viscous Kelvin–Helmholtz (VKH) stability indicators as output. VKH instability combined with stratified flow may indicate large wave flow in the system. The user can then investigate wave formation and propagation using a fine grid dynamic Olga simulator model and the second order mass equation scheme in the Olga simulator. The VKH and IKH stability analysis is implemented as described in [1] and [2]. The indicators are available for plotting in the Olga simulator, and results from calculations that can be plotted in the same way as flow regime maps in the multiphase tool kit. The indicators are also available in the steady state preprocessor, enabling the possibility of creating a preprocessor parameter study to identify the boundary conditions causing VKH instabilities. The implementation is further backed by a paper on the appearance of single slugs [3].
[1] Barnea, Taitel: ”Interfacial and structural stability of separated flow” ; 1994, Int. J. Multiphase Flow Vol. 20, Suppl., pp. 387--414
[2] Barnea, Taitel: ”Stratified three phase flow in pipes – Stability and transition” ; 1996, Chemical Engineering Communications, 141-142:1, 443-460, DOI: 10.1080/00986449608936428
[3] Roel Belt, Chris Lawrence, Henrik Eiding, Gunnar Staff, “Growth of solitary slugs in long flowlines”, 10th International Conference on Multiphase Flow, ICMF 2019, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 19 – 24, 2019
[4] D. Biberg, M.B. Kirkedelen, P. Sassan Johansson, M. Nordsveen, T. Kindsbekken Kjeldby, "A New Mechanism for Flow Instabilities in Gas-Condensate Fields at Low Production Rates" 20th International Conference on Multiphase Technology, Multiphase 2023, Nice, France 26th-28th June, P257-271
Windows 11 compatibility
Olga 2024.1 has been tested with Windows 11 and found compatible.
The product is suitable for use by production, process, and flow assurance engineers, and those involved in multiphase flow simulation.
