Import Failures
Fix well and simulation import problems in PetroBench. Supported RodStar and SRod formats, upload and parse errors, duplicate wells, and missing data after import.
Importing a RodStar or SRod file creates a well with a fully populated simulation, so you don't have to re-enter it by hand. When an import is rejected, stalls, or lands with data missing, this page covers what went wrong and how to fix it.
Supported File Formats
| Format | Extension | What It Creates |
|---|---|---|
| RodStar Data | .rsdx | Well + simulation |
| RodStar Vendor | .rsvx | Well + simulation |
| SRod v6 | .inp6e | Well + simulation |
| SRod v7 | .inp7 | Well + simulation |
Each file creates a well plus a fully populated simulation (named Design #001.00 ...), including the directional survey, well details (fluids, pressures, pump and PSN depth), the tubing and rod string, and the pumping unit. Imported .rsdx and .inp6e files arrive as pending and are not calculated yet: open the simulation and click Static to run it.
Directional surveys have their own troubleshooting page. See Survey Import Problems.
Spreadsheet and survey files (.xlsx, .xls, .csv) are not imported here. Use the Create Well flow for those instead.
File Won't Upload
"Invalid File Format" Error
PetroBench only accepts the four extensions in the table above.
- Confirm the file ends in
.rsdx,.rsvx,.inp6e, or.inp7. - Make sure the extension wasn't altered. Downloading or emailing a file can append an extra extension (for example
.rsdx.txt), which makes it fail validation. Rename it back to the original extension. - If the file is genuinely one of these types but still rejected, re-export it from RodStar or SRod and try the fresh copy.
"Failed to Parse File" Error
The extension is right, but PetroBench could not read the contents.
- The file may be corrupted, or was renamed from a different file type.
- It may come from a version PetroBench does not support.
- Open it in RodStar or SRod first to confirm it still opens cleanly, then re-export a clean copy and import that.
File Too Large
Maximum size is 50 MB per file. If you hit this, re-export from the source software rather than importing an archived or bundled copy.
Importing Into an Existing Well
If a well with the same API number already exists, the import does not fail. PetroBench adds the imported simulation under the existing well instead of creating a duplicate well. The existing well's data is left untouched.
If you would rather keep the import fully separate, change the API number in the source file before importing so it lands as a new well.
Data Missing After Import
Most imports come in complete. When a piece is missing, it is usually because the source file didn't include it, or PetroBench couldn't match it to its catalog.
Directional Survey Not Included
Some source files do not carry the survey, and vertical (.rsvx) wells may only generate points from the pump depth.
- Import the survey separately from the well's Directional Surveys section.
- For survey-specific errors, see Survey Import Problems.
Rod String or Pumping Unit Not Recognized
If a rod grade or pumping unit in the file is not in PetroBench's standard library, the import may leave it unmatched (an unmatched unit is sometimes created as a custom unit automatically).
- Create the missing equipment under Equipment: pumping units under Equipment > Pumping Units, rods under Equipment > Rods > Custom Rods.
- Then open the simulation, go to the Well Data tab (pumping unit) or Rod Data tab, and select your custom equipment.
Fluid Properties Not Transferred
Fluid composition does not always come across from the source file.
- Enter the values manually on the simulation's Well Data tab (water cut, oil API, specific gravities), and confirm the design targets on Simulation Preferences.
Unit Mismatches
Values can look wrong when the file was read in a different unit system than you expect (depths, pressures, gradients).
- Compare a few key numbers (PSN depth, tubing depths, pressures) against the original in RodStar or SRod.
- If they are off by a consistent conversion factor, the unit system is the likely cause. Re-import and confirm the unit selection, or correct the affected fields by hand.
Verify After Import
An import is not "done" until you have checked it. Open the new simulation and walk the tabs:
| Tab | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Simulation Preferences | Design targets (Parameter One / Two), stroke rate or production, damping |
| Tubing Data | PSN depth, tubing string, anchor settings |
| Well Data | Fluid composition, pump specs, and the matched pumping unit |
| Rod Data | Rod tapers, grades, diameters, and total length within ±50 ft of PSN depth |
| IPR | Present only if the file carried reservoir data (optional) |
Also confirm the directional survey loaded, especially on .rsvx wells, then click Static to run the pending simulation and confirm it completes.
When to Contact Support
Reach out to support@petrobench.com if:
- A file opens fine in RodStar or SRod but keeps failing to import.
- The import succeeds but data is clearly wrong or missing in a way the steps above don't explain.
- You've re-exported and retried and it still won't go through.
Include:
- The source software and version (RodStar or SRod).
- The file extension and, if possible, the file itself.
- The exact error message or a screenshot.
- What you've already tried.