Petrobras Relies on ANSYS Simulation Technology as a Key Enabler for Product and...

Petrobras Relies on ANSYS Simulation Technology as a Key Enabler for Product
and Process Design Innovations and Operational Excellence

SOUTHPOINTE, Pa., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ANSYS, Inc.
(Nasdaq: ANSS), a global innovator of simulation software and technologies
designed to optimize product development processes, today announced that
Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras) in Brazil, one of the world's most
innovative integrated oil and gas companies, has broadened its technology
relationship with ANSYS. Petrobras will utilize multiple simulation and
modeling applications from ANSYS in pursuit of its innovation initiatives in
product and process design, enhancing its operational excellence in
production, refining and processing.
"Simulation-driven product and process development is helping us to
improve the performance of refining equipment through the study and
application of new technologies. It is a key element of our innovation
strategy and in maintaining our global leadership," said Maucir de Almeida,
refining process optimization manager at Petrobras headquarters. "The breadth
and depth of the ANSYS product portfolio, with its unparalleled modeling and
high-performance computing (HPC) capabilities, makes it uniquely appropriate
to address the full range and complexities of our applications that require
rapid, high-fidelity simulations."
Currently, technology from ANSYS is a part of the design process at
Petrobras' Research and Development Center (CENPES), the heart of the
company's expansion in the world energy scene. "In our group, for example,
engineers are using large and complex computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
studies, running in clusters, to analyze the flow behavior inside different
pieces of equipment. These simulations are helping us to propose modifications
and test new scenarios that lead to more efficient and reliable refinery
processes," said Washington Geraldelli, basic engineering coking and
separation manager at CENPES. "Today at several refineries, we have a range of
equipment operating better as a result of new technologies that were tested
using CFD from ANSYS."
Oil and gas-affiliated companies around the globe use multiphysics and
HPC-based engineering simulation solutions from ANSYS for a variety of
applications, spanning the entire value chain from reservoir to gas pump. For
example, current field development decisions are driven by both economic and
technologic viability. The available petroleum supplies are in smaller
reservoirs, deeper waters and harsher environments, with ever increasing
engineering challenges (for example, the recent discovery at Tupi field by
Petrobras, located under a thick layer of salt at a depth more than 4.5 miles
beneath the ocean's surface). The reserves usually require additional
processing before they can be transported for refining. Engineering simulation
tools from ANSYS assist petroleum and service companies not only to evaluate
and assess feasibility but also to reduce risk and increase ratability of
equipment and processes.
Beyond discovery, solutions from ANSYS enable product and process design
innovations, reduce the cost of experimentation, and help improve reliability
and safety. Typical applications in the oil and gas industry include
exploration of new technologies for upstream drilling, evaluation of enhanced
oil recovery technology, offshore platform safety and operation, addressing
regulatory requirements for critical designs and off-shore operations, erosion
in equipment and piping, and accounting for thermal and highly nonlinear
stress effects in onshore and offshore oil and gas machinery.
"We are pleased seeing our relationship with Petrobras grow over the
years. The affiliation is a validation of both our strategy and our solutions
along with the value they create for the oil and gas industry. We view our
relationship with Petrobras to be critical in allowing us to continue our
leadership in delivering comprehensive engineering solutions to the oil and
gas industry," said Chris Reid, vice president of marketing at ANSYS, Inc.
Engineering Simulation and Scientific Software (ESSS) Ltda., an ANSYS
channel partner in South America, has been working very closely with
Petrobras. "ESSS has exceptional engineering talent on-site at Petrobras and
is well positioned to represent and support CFD solutions from ANSYS. We will
continue to strengthen our support of Petrobras and build additional
capabilities useful for all aspects of the oil and gas industry in South
America," said Marcus Reis, director at ESSS.
For downloadable, high-resolution images, visit
http://www.ansys.com/newsimages
About Petrobras S.A.
Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. operates in a number of areas in the energy
sector. The company's operations are divided into Exploration & Production,
Gas & Energy, Supply, and International, ranging from oil and gas exploration
to distribution, passing through refining and supply. The company is one of
the largest oil companies in the world - with more than 100 production
platforms, 16 refineries, 30,000 kilometers of ducts, and 6,000 gas stations,
employing some 68,000 people and having earned U.S. $14 billion in 2006.
Petrobras is headquartered in Rio de Janeiro and has offices and
administration managers in major Brazilian cities. Petrobras is also present
in other countries, namely Angola, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Nigeria, and
the United States, as well as having the support of its overseas offices in
New York and Japan.
About ANSYS, Inc.
ANSYS, Inc., founded in 1970, develops and globally markets engineering
simulation software and technologies widely used by engineers and designers
across a broad spectrum of industries. The Company focuses on the development
of open and flexible solutions that enable users to analyze designs directly
on the desktop, providing a common platform for fast, efficient and cost-
conscious product development, from design concept to final-stage testing and
validation. The Company and its global network of channel partners provide
sales, support and training for customers. Headquartered in Canonsburg,
Pennsylvania, U.S.A., with more than 40 strategic sales locations throughout
the world, ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries employ approximately 1,400 people
and distribute ANSYS products through a network of channel partners in over 40
countries. Visit www.ansys.com for more information.
ANSYS, ANSYS Workbench, AUTODYN, CFX, FLUENT and any and all ANSYS, Inc.
brand, product, service and feature names, logos and slogans are registered
trademarks or trademarks of ANSYS, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United
States or other countries. All other brand, product, service and feature names
or trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE ANSYS, Inc.

Media, Kelly Wall, +1-724-514-3076, kelly.wall@ansys.com, or Investors,
Annette Arribas, +1-724-514-1782, annette.arribas@ansys.com, both of ANSYS