Neqsim Pvt Regression Characterization Factor

PVT Regression of a Characterization Factor

Use this skill to regress a single split / characterization factor against several measured PVT or separator targets at once, with per-target weights and explicit residual reporting. It mirrors FluidMagic's regression (which fits EOS/characterization parameters to measured PVT experiment values with weights) and NeqSim's characterization plus PVT-simulation workflow.

The forward model is injected by the caller, so this skill has no dependency on a particular EOS. In practice it wraps a NeqSim characterization + flash / PVT-simulation evaluation, or the community pseudocomponent-split-characterization and reference-fluid-synthetic-generation skills.

When to Use

• When one heavy-end factor must reproduce multiple measured quantities (for example saturation pressure and stock-tank-oil density) simultaneously.
• When targets have different importance and need weighting.
• When you must report per-target residuals to judge whether the match is acceptable.
• When a full EOS regression is not warranted but a calibrated split factor is.

Inputs

• forward_model(factor) -> {target_name: predicted_value}: caller-supplied.
• targets: a list of RegressionTarget(name, measured, weight).
• low, high: bounds of the factor search interval.
• tol, max_iter: search controls.

Outputs

• RegressionResult: fitted factor, objective, per-target residuals and predictions, iterations, and convergence flag.
• weighted_ssr(predicted, targets): the weighted sum of squared relative residuals, usable as a standalone objective.

Engineering Method

Each residual is normalized: (predicted - measured) / measured, so quantities of different magnitude and units contribute comparably. The objective is the weighted sum of squared relative residuals. The factor is fitted by a robust golden-section 1-D search over [low, high] — no gradients, suitable for the noisy forward models produced by flash and PVT calculations.

Typical targets and units:

Python Usage Pattern

from pvt_regression import RegressionTarget, regress_characterization_factor

def forward(alpha):
    # Replace with a NeqSim characterization + PVT evaluation for this factor.
    fluid = build_fluid_with_split_factor(alpha)
    return {
        "p_sat": saturation_pressure_bara(fluid),
        "rho_STO": stock_tank_oil_density(fluid),
    }

targets = [
    RegressionTarget("p_sat", measured=248.0, weight=2.0),
    RegressionTarget("rho_STO", measured=832.0, weight=1.0),
]
result = regress_characterization_factor(forward, targets, low=0.6, high=3.0)
print(result.factor, result.residuals)

Related NeqSim Functionality

• neqsim.thermo.characterization.PlusFractionModel / PlusCharacterize — the factor (alpha/eta) regressed here.
• SystemInterface + ThermodynamicOperations — saturation pressure (bubblePointPressureFlash), GOR and density via separator/flash calculations.
• For a full EOS parameter regression (kij, Tc, Pc, omega, volume shift), use the rigorous NeqSim PVT-simulation and tuning classes rather than this single-factor screening.

Pair this skill with neqsim-pseudocomponent-split-characterization (the split) and neqsim-reference-fluid-synthetic-generation (generate the fluids).

Validation Checklist

• Each measured target has a stated value, unit, source, and weight.
• The forward model returns every target name the regression expects.
• The returned converged flag is checked and per-target residuals are within a documented acceptable-match threshold.
• The fitted factor lies inside (not on) the search bounds; widen bounds if it sits at an endpoint.
• Assumptions and limitations are recorded and qualified PVT review is planned.

Common Mistakes

• A forward model that omits a target name (raises a missing-prediction error).
• A measured value of zero (relative residual is undefined; raises).
• Passing low >= high (raises).
• Interpreting a single-factor fit as a full EOS regression.

Limitations

• Screening-level and single-factor; it does not tune the full EOS.
• The caller's forward model determines physical accuracy.
• Acceptable-match criteria (residual thresholds) must be set by the engineer.
• Results require qualified PVT review before design or operational use.

References

• Whitson, C.H., Brulé, M.R. (2000). Phase Behavior, SPE Monograph 20.
• Pedersen, K.S. et al. (2015). Phase Behavior of Petroleum Reservoir Fluids, 2nd ed.
• NeqSim: https://github.com/equinor/neqsim