Fluid Physical Properties and Phase Behaviour

Underpinning Maximus’ ability to model complex multiphase flow phenomena and optimise oil and gas production systems, is its fluid physical properties prediction capability. Maximus has both blackoil empirical methods and fully compositional methodsavailable for predicting phase behaviour and thermophysical properties.

To provide the compositional capability Maximus has been interfaced to Infochem’s MULTIFLASH software and can therefore call on the full functionality that is available in this excellent third-party prediction software. At FEESA, we realise that accurate predictions of oil and gas systems are only possible if a reliable, robust and accurate thermophysical properties package is used. To compromise on this important aspect of the modelling, is really to “build one’s house on sand”.

Moreover, for Maximus to be used as a reliable Flow Assurance tool at the same time as performing more complex calculations such as optimisation, it is essential that phase behaviour and thermophysical properties are correctly predicted. Therefore, we have put considerable effort into these predictions and we are now able to predict a wide variety of phase behaviour, including:

• Hydrocarbon phase envelopes
• Water saturation curves
• Ice lines
• Hydrate loci (Structures I, II and H)
• Wax formation boundaries

This functionality means that Maximus is able to provide considerable insight into the rich and complex phase behaviour that often occurs in oil and gas systems. Thus Maximus is able to provide valuable guidance to allow safe operating envelopes to be defined which do not stray into dangerous areas where blockages may occur.

For examples of where Maximus has been used to predict these complex phenomena, please select from the following:

Example 1 – Basic Phase Behaviour

Example 2 – Hydrate Predictions

Example 3 – Wax Predictions