User Guide
Getting Started
February 2024
2
Copyright Notice
The copyright in this manual and the associated computer program are the property of PE Limited. All
rights reserved. Both, this manual and the computer program have been provided pursuant to a Licence
Agreement containing restriction of use.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or
translated into any language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical or
otherwise, or disclose to third parties without prior written consent from PE Limited, Petex House, 10
Logie Mill, Edinburgh, EH7 4HG, Scotland, UK.
© PE Limited. All rights reserved.
IPM Suite, GAP, GAP Transient, PROSPER, MBAL, PVTp, REVEAL, RESOLVE, IFM, IVM, Model
Catalogue, OpenServer and MOVE are trademarks of PE Limited.
We also recognise the registered trademarks of the following corporations that we may make reference to
in this manual: Microsoft, Schlumberger, Honeywell Process, Rock Flow Dynamics, Kongsberg Digital,
AVEVA SimSci, Halliburton, Stone Ridge Technology, CMG, AspenTech, Beicip-Franlab, ConocoPhillips,
Emerson, Shell, ExxonMobil, Saudi Aramco, BP, Chevron, WellDrill, SSI.
The software described in this manual is furnished under a licence agreement. The software may be used
or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement. It is against the law to copy the software
on any medium except as specifically allowed in the license agreement. No part of this documentation
may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval systems for any purpose other than the
purchaser's personal use, unless express written consent has been given by PE Limited.
PE Limited
Petex House
10 Logie Mill
Edinburgh, Scotland
EH7 4HG
Tel : (44 131) 474 7030
Fax : (44 131) 474 7031
email: [email protected]
website: www.petex.com
© 1990-2024 PE Limited
Contents I
Table of Contents
0
Chapter 1 The IPM suite 2
1 What
...................................................................................................................................
is this guide for? 2
2 PE Limited
...................................................................................................................................
Software Tools 2
3 What
...................................................................................................................................
the IPM solution provides 2
4 An Example
...................................................................................................................................
of Integrated Production Modelling - IPM 3
Chapter 2 Installing the IPM Software 6
1 Client
...................................................................................................................................
Computer System Requirements 8
Chapter 3 Software Licence Management - User
PC 10
1 Installing
...................................................................................................................................
Thales Sentinel HASP Drivers 10
2 Using
...................................................................................................................................
Standalone Bitlocks/Dongles 13
3 Using
...................................................................................................................................
HARDLOCK network license server(s) 14
Chapter 4 IPM User Manuals and Worked
Examples 20
Chapter 5 Technical Support 22
1 Contact
...................................................................................................................................
Technical Teams in Edinburgh and Houston 22
2 Technical
...................................................................................................................................
Support via the Web 22
Chapter 6 User Group Meeting 27
February, 2024 Getting Started
I
User Guide
Getting Started
Chapter 1
The IPM suite 2
1 The IPM suite
We are pleased to enclose the latest version of the IPM suite of tools. The client base
includes more than 550 oil, gas, mining and service companies throughout the world, using
the software for managing and modelling fields. The tools aid in decision making on the
production strategies, and solving production problems as well as optimising existing and
future production.
1.1 What is this guide for?
This brief guide is designed to demonstrate the initial set-up and use of the IPM suite. It
covers areas like:
Your computer system
How to install the software
How to get up and running with a licence you have purchased
How to start running the software
The User Guides
Support from PE Limited
1.2 PE Limited Software Tools
The Integrated Production Modelling toolkit (IPM) is a set of petroleum engineering software
tools that model the complete production system, from reservoir through the wells to the
surface network.
The IPM suite is composed of:
GAP - IPM Multiphase Surface and System Optimisation
GAP Transient - IPM Transient Multi-Phase Flow Modelling
PROSPER - IPM Well Modelling and Design
MBAL - IPM Reservoir Analytical Simulation
PVTP - IPM Fluid Characterisation
REVEAL - IPM Platform for Specialised Reservoir Studies
RESOLVE - IPM Controller for IPM and third party software tools
OpenServer - Open Architecture provided by all IPM software tools
IFM - Integrated Field Management
IVM - Integrated Visualisation Management
MOVE - Geological Modelling package
1.3 What the IPM solution provides
The IPM suite enables the user to work with one set of tools to model the elements of the full
production system and thus manage, optimise and run field production forecasts.
Some key benefits are:
© 1990-2024 PE Limited
3 Getting Started
Reservoir, multiple well and surface network Optimisation and Production
Forecasting
Fluids
o Multiphase fluids Oil, Gas and Condensate
o Commingled production from multiple layers or reservoirs
Reservoir
o Analytical or Numerical Simulation Models
o Single or Multi-tanks reservoir models, with inter tank communication
o Structural Geological Models
Wells
o Vertical, Multi-Lateral, Horizontal and Smart well modelling
o Modelling of Multi-layers and interferences effects within the reservoir
o Artificial Lift designs and diagnostics: including ESP’s, HSP’s, Gas Lift, PCP
o The proprietary Petroleum Experts correlations are becoming industry
standards showing stability in some of the most challenging fluids
Surface Network
o The most advanced optimisation method in the industry using a non-linear
programming approach. Most optimisation problems require a non-linear
optimiser
o Modelling of surface networks, pumps, compressors, multiple pipelines and
looped gathering systems
o No limit to number of the wells or surface elements as equipment
o Complete system modelling: History matching
Connectivity
o The IPM suite can be linked through RESOLVE to third party reservoir
simulators, process simulators, economic packages and client proprietary
software tools
o With OpenServer the user can build and link each IPM tool to spreadsheets,
Visual Basic Macros, data bases, etc.
Each tool can be operated standalone or seamlessly with the other tools
1.4 An Example of Integrated Production Modelling - IPM
The IPM (Integrated Production Modelling) suite of tools is developed to address some
specific issues with regards to field wide modelling. Consider the following production
system:
Getting Started
The IPM suite 4
As one can see from the picture, a number of wells are present, producing through risers to
the platform. Production from the wells is commingled for some wells at the sub sea level.
Traditionally, the way this system was modeled was by building a simulation model for the
reservoir that would then be run (including the well models) in order to do predictions based
on a fixed wellhead pressure. This however was not as accurate as it could be, since the
wellhead pressures will depend on the pressure drops through the surface pipelines, and in
more complex systems, the pressure drops through facilities in the production line.
In order to accurately model production, an integrated system is needed. This is a model that
includes the reservoir, well and surface facilities and can do predictions taking the
interactions between different elements of the system into account.
Some of the fundamental questions the IPM suite of tools is trying to address are:
How can a production profile from the whole field be predicted, taking reservoir,
wells and surface facilities into account?
Which part of the system is acting as a bottleneck to the system?
How can production from the field be managed and optimised?
If a problem in the system exists, is it due to the reservoir, the wells or the surface
facilities?
The strength of the IPM suite stems from PE Limited’s’s understanding of the fundamental
physics that govern production through a system and our long experience in the field. We
constantly try to find ways of helping engineers throughout the world in solving problems.
© 1990-2024 PE Limited
User Guide
Getting Started
Chapter 2
Installing the IPM Software 6
2 Installing the IPM Software
We recommend that the IPM 13.5 software is installed and run on the users local PC, logged
on as local administrator.
Web Download
If the tools have been downloaded from our Web Site, run the IPM135-64Bit-xxx.exe,
where: xxx refers to the build number.
Or:
Installation from DVD
The following steps should be taken:
i.) Put the DVD in the DVD drive and the installation will begin automatically.
ii.) If nothing happens, you can start the installation manually by opening Windows Explorer
on the DVD Drive and double clicking on the StartSetup.exe icon:
Installation
If there is an existing version of IPM already installed, the installation will first want to remove
this older version. This is highly recommended as we do not support multiple version of the
tools, and the install will not progress until this is done.
To perform this step, and subsequently install the software, please follow the steps guided by
the installer.
The very first time the programs are installed the Settings Storage Type dialogue will appear:
© 1990-2024 PE Limited
7 Getting Started
The settings include the programs *.ini file that capture any customized settings for the tools
such as font type and size, interface color, plotting colors, etc., plus other databases.
In almost all cases you should use the default option “Store settings separately for each
user…”.
If for some reason you wish all users to share the same settings then you may consider using
the other option “Store settings in a common directory”. In this case all users must have
read/write access to this directory. WARNING: If any user does not have read/write access
to this directory then the programs will not work correctly.
Getting Started
Installing the IPM Software 8
2.1 Client Computer System Requirements
For the most up to date information on the system requirements to install and run IPM, please
refer to the document called:
INFORMATION ON SUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEMS AND HARDWARE
REQUIREMENTS FOR IPM, MOVE, AND DOF PRODUCT SUITES
This information can also be found on the Web User Area and the same link is shared along
side the software download codes, or on request if necessary.
© 1990-2024 PE Limited
User Guide
Getting Started
Chapter 3
Software Licence Management - User PC 10
3 Software Licence Management - User PC
The Petroleum Experts Licensing Version 13.5 is the PE Limited’s (PETEX) propriety
licensing daemon used with Petroleum Expert’s applications and is installed with Petroleum
Expert’s programs suites IPM 13.5, IFM 7.5, IVM 10.5.
The main application (PxLsConsole.exe) runs as a windows service and is responsible for
communicating with the standalone licence bitlocks/dongles keys and/or the HARDLOCK
network license server (HARDLOCK) to obtain licences for the PETEX program running
on the local computer.
Checking that License service is installed
The following will allow you to determine if the Petroleum Experts Licensing Service is
installed.
1. Open windows services
2. Look for service called “PETEXPXLS Service 13.5.xx.x”
3. Confirm that the service is started and running
Additionally check that the there is an application folder from the windows start menu
1. Windows Start Menu, Start -> Petroleum Experts Licensing 13.5
This window application folder will have other utilities that are used to configure the service. It
also contains a link to “Setup HASP Bitlock Driver” which is the Thales Sentinel HASP
Driver installer.
If you are using a Standalone USB Bitlock or Dongle for licences please see the section
“Using Standalone Bitlocks/Dongles”
If you are using the HARDLOCK Network license server please see the section “Using
HARDLOCK network license server(s)”
3.1 Installing Thales Sentinel HASP Drivers
When installing or upgrading existing PETEX programs, it is recommended that Thales
HASP Sentinel Bitlock driver provided is installed to ensure that the contents of the HASP HL
MAX USB Bitlock/Dongle can be read. The driver installation may require the computer to
be restarted.
If this is the first installation of PE Limiited Software and a Standalone bitlock will be used
then the Thales Sentinel HASP Bitlock driver have not been installed yet, please follow the
steps below:
1. Unplug the USB Bitlock/dongle
2. Log on as a local windows administrator user.
3. After installing a PETEX program and the licensing component, from the windows
start menu Start ->Petroleum Experts Licensing 13.5 -> Setup HASP Bitlock
© 1990-2024 PE Limited
11 Getting Started
Driver (right click and select run as administrator)”
4. The Thales HASP Bitlock Driver installer will start, click on Next
5. Accept the license agreement and click on NEXT, then Next Again.
6. After the driver installation complete click on Finish.
Getting Started
Software Licence Management - User PC 12
7. Plug in the USB Bitlock/Dongle, after a few seconds the red light in the Bitlock/Dongle
will come on. This indicates that the computer is able to communicate with the Bitlock/
Dongle.
© 1990-2024 PE Limited
13 Getting Started
Trouble Shooting
Sentinel HASP Bitlock Driver Installation
The error message above form the HASP Bitlock driver installation, indicates a service
installation failure “48”, and access denied “5”. There are potentially two reason for this:
1. The logged on user does not have local windows administrator privileges.
2. The driver is already installed or in use.
3. If the driver uninstall has just run, the system may need to be restarted to delete the old
driver that is possibly still in use.
General Issue
If you have an issue with the installation, please send an email to [email protected]
including the following if possible:
1. Screenshot of error message
2. Any other useful information.
3.2 Using Standalone Bitlocks/Dongles
The Petroleum Experts Licensing service (PXLSConsole.exe) can only communicate with
locally attached HASP Bitlock/Dongle s via the HASP Bitlock Driver and the Sentinel LDK
License Manager (service). The driver and the service can be installed following the
instructions in the “Installing Thales HASP Driver” section of this document.
Once the driver is installed, check that the Licence Bitlock/Dongle can be read by doing the
following:
1. From Windows Start Menu, Start-> Petroleum Experts Licensing 13.5-> Remote
2. The Remote utility window will open.
Getting Started
Software Licence Management - User PC 14
Note that the licence bitlock/dongle number is displayed for each dongle attached followed by
licences details.
If there are no products on the dongle the message “No products enabled” will appear below
the bitlock/dongle number.
If the licence bitlock/dongle cannot be read the message “No licensing system detected” will
appear. This could indicate a HASP driver installation issue or the Sentinel LDK License
Manager (service) is not running.
If there are red crosses next to any of the products licences, the bitlock may need to be
activated using the set of codes provided by PE Limited. If you do not yet have the codes,
please e-mail PE Limited at [email protected] .
If you see yellow padlock icons next the licences, this indicates that the codes were applied
on a previous version of the the remote utility that does not support new security
enhancements. Please apply the code file again using the current version of the remote
utility.
3.3 Using HARDLOCK network license server(s)
The Petroleum Experts Licensing system by default will automatically scan the local network
for the PE Limited’s propriety HARDLOCK network licence server if they are available.
However if the HARDLOCK is on a different network or virtual network then the Hostname or
IP Address needs to be configured.
© 1990-2024 PE Limited
15 Getting Started
The HARDLOCK and the Petroleum Experts Licensing service communicate with each other
using:
PORT 4720 on UDP and TCP
PORT 4721 on UDP and TCP
Please make sure that the firewalls on the HARDLOCK computer the PETEX program client
computer and any network devices between the two allow inbound and outbound traffic on the
ports and protocols above.
The Petroleum Experts Licensing service can be configured using the following steps:
1. From windows start menu, Start->Petroleum Experts Licensing 13.5->License
Configuration (right click select run as administrator)
2. Click on “Configuration” along the top menu
Getting Started
Software Licence Management - User PC 16
3. Click on “Add” button
4. Type HOSTNAME or IP Address in first box
5. Set Priority to 0 or higher.(-1 is disabled)
6. Enter a comment to describe the server
7. Click on “OK” button
8. Click on “OK” button confirm changes and go back to first screen.
© 1990-2024 PE Limited
17 Getting Started
9. Notice that the bottom half of the screen while entry to broadcast to the new
HARDLOCK added. There should also be a corresponding answer from the
HARDLOCK server. This indicates that the configuration is correct and can
communicate with the HARDLOCK.
10.Close the window using File-> Exit.
After the configuration the HARDLOCK should appear in the Remote Utility windows like
below:
Getting Started
Software Licence Management - User PC 18
Note that the name of the HARDLOCK server, the licence bitlock/dongle number and the
version running on server are shown on the first line.
The installation process is now finished. The software is now ready to run by
selecting the appropriate option from the list under the Petroleum Experts menu
accessed via the following Windows command: "START | ALL PROGRAMS |
PETROLEUM EXPERTS IPM13.5"
© 1990-2024 PE Limited
User Guide
Getting Started
Chapter 4
IPM User Manuals and Worked Examples 20
4 IPM User Manuals and Worked Examples
The User Guides for the software can be accessed through:
A screen will appear from which it is possible to access the different User Guides (GAP,
PROSPER, MBAL, etc)
These documents are in Acrobat Reader format (pdf). Acrobat reader is required in order to
read them.
If Acrobat Reader is not already installed on the computer, a web link is provided where the
newest version of Acrobat Reader can be installed.
We would suggest for the users to go through some of the worked examples to
familiarize themselves with the functionality and workflows of the software. There is
a seperate installation for sample files, which is provided with the IPM downloader.
© 1990-2024 PE Limited
User Guide
Getting Started
Chapter 5
Technical Support 22
5 Technical Support
In PE Limited we aim to provide the highest level of support we possibly can in order to
assist our users with their work involving the IPM suite of tools. Technical support is provided
to all users who maintain yearly their licenses.
5.1 Contact Technical Teams in Edinburgh and Houston
There are various ways that the users can get in touch with us:
Edinburgh, UK: Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 18:00 hrs
Phone: +44 (0)131 474 7030
Fax: +44 (0)131 474 7031
Houston, USA: Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 17:30 hrs.
Phone: +1 281 531 1121
Fax: +1 281 531 0810
From the programs themselves, a feature allows accessing the technical support web area
(under Help | Technical Support).
5.2 Technical Support via the Web
A web area that only users of the software can access has been implemented. This can be
accessed from any of the programs:
From PROSPER for instance:
© 1990-2024 PE Limited
23 Getting Started
Selecting this option will start your Web Browsing software, e.g Internet Explorer and show
the following screen, first time you log on:
For the first logon the user needs to enter their details and then have access to the area.
These details are then stored and used for subsequent entries, provided your PC allow
Cookies to be stored on your PC.
Clicking on submit will present the web page and links:
Getting Started
Technical Support 24
If technical support is required, the Technical Support tab can be selected, as highlighted
above.
On the following page, there are a number of options to select from. The user can access our
searchable FAQ database or send us an e-mail directly from the webpage.
The highlighted "Questions to Support" option can be used to enter technical requests:
© 1990-2024 PE Limited
25 Getting Started
The fields required are:
Name
Company
Email
Phone
Context - general background of the project and detailed objectives the
model is meant to achieve
Problem/Question - specific question or problem encountered
Attachment - the model file can be attached to the support request
Getting Started
User Guide
Getting Started
Chapter 6
27 Getting Started
6 User Group Meeting
PE Limited publish an annual development plan for each software product in the IPM suite.
Every year a week long forum, the User Meeting, is held in Edinburgh UK where the company
is based. This is an opportunity for the user community to discuss the use of the software and
take decisions on future developments for the software.
The decisions are based on practical needs of the client companies after presentations of
the problems or proposals by company representatives.
Getting Started
