Physics-Informed AI
Simulation-quality insight with the speed and flexibility of AI
Physics-informed AI is a breakthrough hybrid model building technique, that fuses physics-based simulation and process data.
Symmetry process simulation software
Comprehensive process simulation software
Overview
Faster, optimized process workflows from concept to operations in one environment
Process teams often model facilities, pipeline networks, process units and flare systems in separate tools. That fragments fluid definitions, creates data-transfer steps and makes it harder to understand how a change in one part of the asset affects the rest.
Symmetry™ process simulation software from SLB brings process units, pipelines and networks, and flare and relief systems into one environment with consistent thermodynamics and fluid characterization. Engineers can use steady-state and dynamic analysis across the model, from early concept selection and FEED through commissioning, start-up, troubleshooting, and operations.
Symmetry™ supports continuous improvement by helping maximize reliability and availability, reducing emissions and energy consumption, and optimizing economic performance. The thermodynamic engine includes more than 20,000 chemicals, 80 property packages and hundreds of unit operations. PIONA-based hydrocarbon characterization supports blending, separation, reactive systems, and the modelling of hydrates, wax, asphaltenes and hydrate inhibitors.
Upstream
Model inflow and flow assurance workflows, predict and manage pigging and slugging, forecast field production rates, model gathering systems and pipeline networks.
Midstream
Optimize gas processing, oil and heavy oil processing, LNG and gas-to-liquids conversion, and utilities management, including steam and power generation.
Downstream
Optimize oil refining, petrochemical and production, and alternative technologies such as fuel cells and gasification.
New Energy
Feasibility, concept selection and detailed design for transition and alternative technologies including geothermal, hydrogen, energy storage, and carbon capture.
UN SDGs
Aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 12 and 13
Emissions reduction
Establish baseline performance and evaluate different options for reducing emissions, including reduced routine flaring, alternatives to flaring, fuel gas minimization through energy management, and feedstock management (hydrogen or bio-feed blending).
Energy consumption reduction
Applying total site energy management supports the reduction in energy consumption in facilities at all scales, from rotating equipment to entire plants. Applications are as varied as reducing fuel consumption, power generation from waste heat (energy integration), and optimizing the application of renewable power.
Applications
Characterize fluid with a best-in-class approach
Symmetry software is powered by a best-in-class thermodynamic engine used for fluid representation, which is extensively validated against experimental data. The built-in database includes more than 20,000 chemicals, 80 thermodynamic property packages, and hundreds of unit operations, providing unparalleled model sophistication and precision.
The software uses a PIONA approach to model hydrocarbons, enabling process engineers to accurately simulate blending, separation, and even reactive systems. This molecular approach can accurately model the formation of hydrates, wax, and asphaltene and can accurately simulate hydrocarbon mixtures coming from different fields. The behavior of hydrate inhibitors is also accurately represented.
Identify and mitigate HSE and operational risks
Comprehensive identification of specific safety concerns, from fire scenarios to equipment failures and much more, is an essential element of all operations. To enabling the mitigation of HSE and operational risks, Symmetry software provides a complete set of flare and relief system design tools that empowers users to verify the performance of entire safety systems.
The software is flexible enough to suit any application, analyzing standalone components or complete system with various levels of detail, in steady state or dynamics.
Ensure asset reliability
Symmetry software enables full life cycle modeling from conception to operation, which provides better options to troubleshoot performance, create FEED and start up studies, and fully optimize your system. The software offers extensive options to provide openness such as COM, OPC connectivity, CAPE open, custom interfaces and more, to enable integration with different systems, helping you fully understand your asset.
Model upstream, midstream, and downstream process workflows.
Evaluate surface facilities to confirm viability of carbon capture and storage (CCS) opportunities.
Optimize dynamic throughput.
Manage capex via conceptual design and FEED studies.
Optimize compression and reduce risk of failure.
Improve facility performance.
Benefits
Consistent characterization and fluid models throughout the full system
Symmetry software provides a new approach to traditional oil pseudo-component characterization techniques. Its PIONA-based fluid characterization uses chemical family structures to enable accurate physical property estimation in blending, separation, and even reactive systems to be more accurately simulated. Ensuring consistent thermodynamics and component tracking across the full system.
Identify and mitigate HSE and operational risks.
Reduce emissions, energy consumption, and waste.
Ensure asset reliability and operational efficiency.
Ensure compliance in meeting product specifications.
Recognize and mitigate flow assurance risks.
Features
Symmetry new features
Symmetry 2026.3 release announcement
Explore Symmetry features in depth
Tela assistant for Symmetry software—enabling smarter model creation
Symmetry 2026.3 includes support for the latest version of Tela assistant for Symmetry software, featuring enhanced usability and expanded engineering capabilities. Tela assistant now connects automatically to the active Symmetry software session, while a new conversation history feature enables users to save and continue previous interactions from the saved context.
SymConnect for data connectivity
This release introduces SymConnect, a tool that connects Symmetry software with operational data sources—including PI Asset Framework, OPC, and Microsoft Excel—enabling seamless integration of plant data with simulation models. The user interface has been designed for optimal performance, responsiveness, and scalability.
Improved thermodynamic for hydrocarbon-glycol systems
This release improves thermodynamic predictions for hydrocarbon-glycol systems in the Advanced Peng Robinson for Natural Gas 2 (APRNG2) thermodynamic model for ethylene glycol (EG) and tri-ethylene glycol (TEG).
Pulse unit operation
A new Pulse Unit Operation has been added to Symmetry software to provide native support for momentary digital signals in dynamic simulation models.
The Pulse Unit Operation generates a configurable pulse that automatically transitions from 0 → 1 → 0 for a user-defined duration, eliminating the need for custom digital logic implementations and manual reset actions. It integrates with:
Symmetry software now defaults to the Built-in PFD
Starting with Symmetry 2026.3, the Built-in PFD becomes the default PFD option. Users can continue to use the Microsoft Visio® based PFD by selecting it during installation or through the Symmetry software settings. The Built-in PFD requires no additional licenses and will be the focus of future PFD enhancements. New capabilities will continue to be added with each release to continue to match and further enhance functionality.
FAQs
What is Symmetry process simulation software?
Symmetry is SLB software for modelling facilities, process units, pipelines, networks and flare systems in one environment. It applies consistent thermodynamics and fluid characterization across the model and supports steady-state and dynamic analysis.
Can Symmetry model both steady-state and dynamic processes?
Yes. Symmetry supports steady-state analysis for design, screening and debottlenecking, and dynamic analysis for start-up, shutdown, control, upset, throughput, pigging and slugging scenarios.
How does Symmetry keep fluid models consistent across facilities and pipelines?
Symmetry uses a shared thermodynamic and fluid-characterization framework across Process, Pipe and Flare workspaces, allowing the same components, physical properties and phase behavior to be tracked across the connected model.
Which energy applications can Symmetry simulate?
Symmetry supports upstream production and flow assurance, midstream gas processing and LNG, downstream refining and petrochemicals, utilities and energy management, and selected transition and alternative energy applications including geothermal, hydrogen, energy storage, and carbon capture.
How can Symmetry support digital twins and operational decision-making?
Symmetry can be used as the simulation foundation for engineering studies, operational planning, and digital twin initiatives. By combining process, pipeline, and flare models within a consistent thermodynamic framework, teams can evaluate operating strategies, identify constraints, test what-if scenarios, and improve production, processing, and transportation performance across the asset lifecycle.
How does Tela work with Symmetry software?
Tela for Symmetry provides structured AI-assisted workflows for supported simulation tasks. In Symmetry 2026.2 it supports selected gas-dehydration workflows and case-study creation or modification. It is a separate software package that must be installed independently.
Training
NExT Symmetry training courses
NExT offers a comprehensive training program to support users of the SLB software, plugins, and other software products.
In this section
Symmetry software provides additional competitive advantage by leveraging the Delfi™ digital platform. This provides access to more than 25 years of deep science across the spectrum, and the ability to utilize advanced AI techniques. The following Delfi workspaces are available:
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Symmetry dynamics
Dynamic features and user friendliness in a unified life cycle environmentReducing software costs and making dynamic simulation affordable to companies in the process industries.
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Symmetry field
Fully integrated reservoir/multi-phase gathering system simulatorSymmetry Field Workspace models large and small gas properties.
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Symmetry flare
Model the complete flare systemThe Flare workspace empowers users to verify safety systems completely, efficiently, and rigorously.
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Symmetry pipe
Integrated approach to optimize productionIntegrated approach to optimize production.
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Symmetry process
Advancing process understandingAdvancing process understanding.
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Symmetry thermo
An extensively validated thermodynamics library with almost 20 years of program refinementAn extensively validated thermodynamics library with almost 20 years of program refinement.
Domain profiles on Delfi
Market-leading technologies integrated in the cloud focused on key domain user profiles.
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