Using an OLI .dbs Chemistry File in Petro-SIM®

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Steps to Use an OLI .dbs Chemistry File in Petro-SIM®
  • Save the .dbs File to Your Computer
  • Open the Fluid Package Screen
  • Browse for the Custom .dbs File
  • Select the Custom Databank
  • Verify the Components in the Databank
  • Exit the Setup Screens
  • Proceed with the Simulation
• Troubleshooting
• Conclusion

Overview

Petro-SIM, a powerful process simulation platform widely used in the oil, gas, and chemical industries, integrates seamlessly with OLI Systems' advanced electrolyte chemistry capabilities. One of the key features of this integration is the ability to utilize OLI's chemistry via a .dbs file for accurate and tailored simulation results. These compiled chemistry files enable users to include proprietary or specialized thermodynamic models and component data that are not part of the standard OLI public databank.

Chemistry file .dbs files are particularly useful for companies simulating proprietary chemistries, site-specific water compositions, or unique process conditions. By leveraging OLI’s rigorous electrolyte thermodynamic framework with customized model files, organizations can enhance simulation accuracy and make more informed process decisions.

There are two primary ways to generate a compiled .dbs file for use in Petro-SIM: through Petro-SIM’s internal Chemistry Builder or using the external OLI Chemistry Wizard. This guide assumes familiarity with .dbs files. For more information about saving and using a .dbs file from an existing Petro-SIM simulation that uses OLI Electrolytes, see this article. For more information about saving and using a .dbs file from OLI Chemistry Wizard, see this article.

Note: This guide outlines the steps to set up and use the OLI Engine version 12.0 in Petro-SIM version 7.4, assuming familiarity with the software.

Steps to Use an OLI .dbs Chemistry File in Petro-SIM®

1. Save the .dbs File to Your Computer

• Ensure that the .dbs file you need is saved to a known location on your computer (e.g., your local drive or a shared network location).
• If you received the .dbs file via email or another source, download it and store it in an accessible folder for later use.

2. Open the Fluid Package Screen

• Navigate to the Fluid Package screen in Petro-SIM.
• Ensure that OLI Electrolytes is selected as the property package. This selection allows Petro-SIM to apply OLI's electrolyte thermodynamic models to your simulation.

3. Browse for the .dbs File

• In the Fluid Package screen, locate and press the Browse for DBS File button. This will open the OLI File Browse window, enabling you to select the .dbs chemistry file.

4. Select the .dbs File

• Use the OLI File Browse window to navigate to the location of your .dbs chemistry file.
• Once the desired .dbs chemistry file is selected, press Open. 

• The file path of the selected .dbs chemistry file will appear in the top line of the Fluid Package screen.

5. Verify the Components in the .dbs File

• To ensure the .dbs chemistry file has been loaded successfully, press the View button in the Fluid Package screen. This will display the list of components included in the .dbs file.
• Review the component list to confirm that it contains the required species for your simulation.

6. Exit the Setup Screens

• Close the Component List, Fluid Package, and Simulation Basis Manager screens to return to the Process Flow Diagram (PFD).
• Your .dbs chemistry file is now active and can be used in your Petro-SIM simulation.

7. Proceed with the Simulation

• With the .dbs chemistry file in place and selected as part of your fluid package, proceed to build and execute your simulation in Petro-SIM. The software will utilize the unique thermodynamic data and component properties defined in the .dbs chemistry file to calculate process conditions and results.

Troubleshooting

When connecting a stream and unit operation with different fluid packages, Petro-SIM will use a Stream Cutter. It is recommended to use the T-P flash transfer basis to avoid enthalpy or vapor fraction calculation issues between the Petro-SIM package and OLI Engine package.

Conclusion

Incorporating an OLI chemistry file (.dbs) in Petro-SIM is a straightforward process that enables users to expand the capabilities of their simulations. By integrating specialized component data and thermodynamic models, organizations can achieve a higher level of precision and relevance in their process analysis.

This functionality underscores the strength of the OLI-Petro-SIM integration, offering unparalleled flexibility and robustness for tackling challenging operational scenarios in electrolyte-rich environments. Whether you're modeling unique water chemistries, testing site-specific process conditions, or validating proprietary formulations, using an OLI .dbs chemistry file in Petro-SIM ensures your simulation results align with the specific needs of your application.

• An overview of using the OLI Engine in Petro-SIM is available here.
• An OLI Engine V12 for Petro-SIM: Getting Started User Guide is available here.
• An introduction and overview of using OLI Chemistry Wizard is available here.

For more information or troubleshooting, consult the OLI Systems or Petro-SIM documentation (Petro-SIM 7.1, Petro-SIM 7.2) or reach out to OLI technical support or KBC Petro-SIM support.