Transient Modeling Software

[JSD2005]

Hello,
Longtime lurker, first time poster. I'm wondering if anyone can provide recommendations for Transient Modeling software? Specifically, a program that can handle pump stop surge issues as well as mainline valve closures. I am currently using Fluid Flow Consultants NATASHA and will soon be upgrading to AFT Impluse. It took five years of lobbying my organization to be able to upgrade from Natasha, so we are definitely not near the state of the art. Can anyone recommend the current "gold standard"? I'm assuming it is Stoner, but would like your opinions before I start politicking for new software. Thank you all for your expertise, and have a good evening.

 

[BigInch]

Pipeline Studio, by Energy Solutions, also does transient flow. It does not handle as many nodes as Stoner. BTW Stoner Pipeline Simulator is currently known as Synergi Pipeline Simulator, ever since it was purchased by DNV GL.

 

[JSD2005]

Thanks for the reply, BigInch. I'll do some research on Pipeline Studio. Also appreciate the name change information on Stoner/Synergi. Have a good one.

 

[EmmanuelTop]

Also check OLGA (pretty much a standard thing in flow assurance), LedaFlow, and VariSim.

http://www.software.slb.com/products/foundation/Pages/olga.aspx

http://www.kongsberg.com/en/kogt/products and services/flow assurance/

http://ssl-varisim.com/

Dejan IVANOVIC
Process Engineer, MSChE

 

[MortenA]

It depends on your needs, most significantly: Do you need to do multiphase and is it pipelines or piping? Do you need to include processing equipment in your model too?

Best regards, Morten

 

[SNORGY]

I would have thought AFT Impulse is the software of choice these days...?

 

[JSD2005]

Thanks to all who have replied.

Morten, just pipelines, dor a not need to be multiphase at this point. No processing equipment either.

 

[BigInch]

Haven't used AFT. What's AFT's maximum number of nodes? Anyone aware of that, or any other limitations? I think PL Studio is 250. I haven't yet found any inherent limit to Stoner programs.

 

[Krausen]

Stoner (now Synergy Pipeline Simulator) is hands down the "gold standard", but you'll pay a pretty penny for it. I know a few major pipeline companies that will only use SPS for transient analyses on their systems and will only recognize SPS results from engineering consultants analyzing transient cases. It is the only the software I'm aware of that actually simulates transients in real time at millisecond resolutions. It can even simulate transient heat transfer. The software can be customized through a specific user-based command language (like writing an Excel macro) for any analysis you can imagine. It's truly remarkable, but it does take a steep learning curve typically to realize the full functionality as I understand.

 

[Krausen]

Stoner (now Synergy Pipeline Simulator aka SPS) is hands down the "gold standard", but you'll pay a pretty penny for it. I know of a few major pipeline companies that will only use SPS for transient analyses on their systems and will only recognize SPS transient results from engineering consultants analyzing or designing their systems. It is the only the software I'm aware of that actually simulates transient cases in real time at millisecond resolutions. In other words, you can actually watch a time-based transient simulation take place as if you were sitting at a central control center monitor. It can even simulate transient heat transfer. It can also be customized through a specific user-based command language (like writing an Excel macro) for any kind of analysis you could imagine. It's truly remarkable, but it does take a steep learning curve typically to realize & harness the full potential as I understand.

 

[BigInch]

Yes. I know that well. I have used SPS since 1980.