Learning Paths

Choose the learning path that matches your role and goals.

🎯 Choose Your Path

Path For Time Focus
PVT Engineer Reservoir/PVT engineers 4-6 hours Fluids, flash, characterization
Process Engineer Process/facilities engineers 6-8 hours Equipment, flowsheets, optimization
Developer Software developers 8-10 hours API, architecture, extensions

🔬 PVT Engineer Path

Goal: Master fluid modeling, flash calculations, and PVT characterization.

Level 1: Fundamentals (1 hour)

  1. Python Quickstart - Get NeqSim running
  2. Reading Fluid Properties - Understanding init levels
  3. Run: Reading Fluid Properties Notebook

Level 2: Thermodynamic Models (1.5 hours)

  1. Thermodynamic Models Guide - All EoS options
  2. Mixing Rules Guide - BIPs and mixing rules
  3. Reference: Which EoS should I use?
Fluid Type Recommended EoS
Dry gas SRK, PR
Gas condensate PR, SRK-Peneloux
Black oil PR, SRK
Heavy oil PR, CPA
CO₂ systems SRK-CPA, GERG-2008
Aqueous CPA, Electrolyte-CPA

Level 3: Flash Calculations (1 hour)

  1. Flash Calculations Guide - All flash types
  2. Flash Equations - Mathematical details
  3. Practice: Run different flash types on same fluid
Flash Type Specify Calculate
TPflash T, P Phase amounts, compositions
PHflash P, H T, phase amounts
PSflash P, S T, phase amounts
TVflash T, V P, phase amounts

Level 4: Fluid Characterization (1.5 hours)

  1. PVT Fluid Characterization - Plus fraction handling
  2. Fluid Characterization Math - Lumping details
  3. Run: PVT Simulation and Tuning Notebook

Level 5: Advanced Topics (1 hour)

  1. Hydrate Models - Hydrate equilibrium
  2. Wax Characterization - Wax modeling
  3. Asphaltene Modeling - Asphaltene precipitation

📚 PVT Reference Materials

🏭 Process Engineer Path

Goal: Design and simulate process flowsheets with equipment models.

Level 1: Fundamentals (1.5 hours)

  1. Java Quickstart - Process simulation basics
  2. Process System Guide - Building flowsheets
  3. Streams Documentation - Material streams

Level 2: Core Equipment (2 hours)

  1. Separators - 2-phase and 3-phase
  2. Compressors - Centrifugal, reciprocating
  3. Heat Exchangers - Heaters, coolers, exchangers
  4. Valves - Control valves, chokes

Level 3: Process Flowsheets (2 hours)

  1. Mixers and Splitters - Stream combining/splitting
  2. Recycles - Handling recycle streams
  3. Adjusters - Specification adjustments
  4. Run: Network Solver Tutorial

Level 4: Advanced Equipment (1.5 hours)

  1. Distillation - Column simulation
  2. Pipelines - Multiphase flow
  3. Pumps - Pump modeling
  4. Wells - Well modeling

Level 5: Optimization & Control (1 hour)

  1. Optimization Overview - Process optimization
  2. Controllers - Process control
  3. Run: Production Optimizer Tutorial

📚 Process Reference Materials

💻 Developer Path

Goal: Understand NeqSim architecture, extend functionality, contribute code.

Level 1: Setup & Architecture (2 hours)

  1. Developer Setup - Build from source
  2. Modules Overview - Package architecture
  3. Contributing Guide - Code standards

Level 2: Core APIs (2 hours)

  1. SystemInterface JavaDoc - Fluid API
  2. ProcessEquipmentInterface JavaDoc - Equipment API
  3. Test Overview - Testing patterns

Level 3: Thermodynamic Implementation (2 hours)

  1. Mathematical Models - EoS implementation
  2. Phase Package - Phase calculations
  3. Component Package - Component properties

Level 4: Process Implementation (2 hours)

  1. Equipment Base Classes - Equipment patterns
  2. Mechanical Design - Design calculations
  3. Graph Simulation - Topology analysis

Level 5: Advanced Development (2 hours)

  1. AI Integration - ML/AI patterns
  2. MPC Integration - Control system integration
  3. Serialization - Save/load processes

📚 Developer Reference Materials

📊 Progress Checklist

Use this to track your progress:

PVT Engineer

Process Engineer

Developer