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Simulation configuration
The simulation Inputs page has four tabs: Simulation Preferences, Rod Details, Tubing Data, and IPR Data.

Simulation Preferences

Optimization Parameters

Select what you want to optimize for:
ParameterDescription
Target ProductionDesired production rate (BOPD)
Target Pumping SpeedStroke rate (SPM)
Target Fluid LevelProducing fluid level depth (ft)
Target Pump Intake PressureBottom-hole flowing pressure (PSI)
Set Parameter One as your primary target and Parameter Two as a secondary constraint.
Click Load from Fluid Shot to populate target fluid level from your well’s most recent measurement.

Pumping Unit

  1. Click Select Pumping Unit
  2. Filter by manufacturer or search by model number
  3. Select your unit from the library
If your unit isn’t in the library, create a custom unit under Equipment > Pumping Units.

Fluid Properties

FieldDescription
Fluid GradientPSI per foot (0-0.65)
Fluid Above PumpDistance from pump intake to fluid level (ft)

Pump Performance

FieldDescription
Pump FillPercentage of pump barrel filled (0-100%)
Pump ConditionNormal, Gas Interference, or Fluid Pound
Full Pump ToggleForces 100% fill with Gas Interference condition

Damping & Friction

FieldDefaultDescription
Upstroke Damping0.5Damping coefficient for upstroke
Downstroke Damping0.5Damping coefficient for downstroke
Vertical Friction (Up/Down)AutoRod-tubing friction (lbs)

Advanced Settings

FieldDescription
Use IPR DataEnable to use well’s IPR curve in calculations
Step LengthCalculation precision (smaller = more accurate, slower)
Directional SurveySelect which survey to use for geometry

Rod Details

Rod configuration

Adding Rod Tapers

Click Add Rod to add a section to your rod string. For each taper:
FieldDescription
Rod TypeSucker Rod, Sinker Bar, or Continuous
ManufacturerRod manufacturer
GradeMaterial grade (C, D, K, KD, HS, etc.)
DiameterNominal size (5/8” to 1-1/8”)
LengthLength of this section (ft)
Select Rod Type first - this filters available manufacturers, grades, and diameters.

Rod String Length Validation

Total rod length must be within ±50 feet of PSN depth. If outside this tolerance, you’ll get a validation error.

Polished Rod

Select polished rod diameter: 1.00”, 1.25”, 1.50”, 1.75”, or 2.00”

Rod Guides

For deviated wells, enable guides on rod sections:
FieldDescription
GuidedEnable guides for this taper
Guide TypeMolded, snap-on, etc.
Guides per RodNumber per 25 ft rod
Friction CoefficientGuide-tubing friction (default 0.20)

Custom Rods

If your rod spec isn’t in the library:
  1. Navigate to Equipment > Rods > Custom Rods
  2. Click Create Custom Rod
  3. Enter mechanical properties
  4. Save to organization library

Tubing Data

Pump Setting Depth (PSN)

FieldDescription
PSN Depth (MD)Measured depth to pump (ft)
PSN Depth (TVD)True vertical depth (auto-calculated from survey)
PSN InclinationWellbore angle at pump (degrees)
PSN Dog Leg SeverityCurvature at pump (°/100 ft)
If you have a directional survey, PSN geometry is calculated automatically.

Tubing Configuration

For each tubing section:
FieldDescription
Nominal SizeAPI size (2-3/8”, 2-7/8”, 3-1/2”, etc.)
OD / IDOuter and inner diameter (inches)
WeightPounds per foot
GradeMaterial grade (J-55, N-80, L-80, P-110)
Top / Bottom DepthMeasured depths (ft)
Select nominal size first to filter compatible grades, threads, and weights.

Tubing Anchor

FieldDescription
Tubing AnchoredEnable if tubing is anchored
Anchor DepthDepth of anchor (ft MD)

IPR Data

IPR data improves production predictions by modeling well deliverability.

Reservoir Pressures

FieldDescription
Static BHP (SBHP)Reservoir pressure at mid-perf when shut in (PSI)
Bubble Point PressurePressure where gas evolves from solution (PSI)
Mid-Perforation DepthMD to middle of perforated interval (ft)

Production Test Data

Enter stabilized flow test data:
FieldDescription
Test PressureFlowing BHP during test (PSI)
Test OilOil rate (BOPD)
Test WaterWater rate (BWPD)
Test GasGas rate (MSCFD)
Two or more test points at different rates significantly improves IPR curve accuracy.

Deliverability

PetroBench can auto-calculate deliverability parameters from test data, or you can enter them manually:
FieldDescription
Deliverability Coefficient (C)Derived from test data
Deliverability Exponent (n)Typically 0.5-1.0 (0.8 for most oil wells)

Using IPR in Simulations

  1. Enter IPR data on this tab
  2. Go to Simulation Preferences
  3. Enable Use IPR Data toggle
  4. Run simulation

Well Data

Additional pump and fluid parameters in the Simulation Preferences section:

Pump Specifications

FieldDescription
API Pump TypePump designation (RWBC, TRHP, etc.)
Pump DiameterPlunger diameter (inches)
Pump EfficiencyVolumetric efficiency (0-100%)
Stuffing Box FrictionFriction at wellhead (lbs)

Fluid Composition

FieldDescription
Water CutPercentage of water (0-100%)
Oil API GravityOil density (API)
Water Specific GravityWater density relative to fresh water
Gas Specific GravityGas density relative to air

Pressures

FieldDescription
Casing PressureAnnular pressure at surface (PSI)
Tubing PressureFlowline pressure (PSI, can be negative for vacuum)

Validation

Before running, PetroBench validates:
  • All required fields populated
  • Values within valid ranges
  • Rod string length within ±50 ft of PSN depth
  • Pumping speed below maximum for unit
Missing or invalid fields will show error messages indicating which section needs correction.

Next Steps