SimCon is a numeric simulator for analysis and design of the wellhead structure. The simulator implements methodologies and processes already existing and consolidated in Petrobras. The application was developed for a web environment and addresses the required analysis for the evaluation of the wellhead structural integrity along its operating life spam. The numerical kernel responds to the web user interface processing requisitions.
The “wellhead”, as it is known, or Bottom Hole Assembly – BHA, works as the overall structure foundation, transmitting on the chosen spot all the loads from the structure and its additional equipment to the seabed, complying with all necessary limits of stresses and strains to guarantee the overall structure integrity and functionality.
The use of a numeric model that couples adequately the structural elements and the surrounding soil is paramount for the applications success. In this context, SimCon numerical modules addresses the non-linearity of several soil types. It also facilitates the identification of acting loads along the constructive process and simulates the consequent loading cases. Chart results and summary tables are presented as post processing objects. The application provides the designer an overview of the structural reliability of both well and soil.
Numeric simulators and the technological trending:
For SimWorx, and presumably for the whole industry, a web based numerical simulator is a paradigm shift, a challenge on its own. Nevertheless, web development resources becomes more sophisticate day by day. Leveraging such resources certainly will improve the user perception for platforms and increase the effectiveness of a distributed environment. In such a way, the same kernel may easily be accessed by hundreds of users simultaneously. SimCon validates how overwhelming the use of such technology can be, bringing lots of advantages and increasing possibilities.
Subsequently to SimCon’s pioneering, other applications such as SIMGPH and PW-K have been updated or fully developed under the same paradigm.