Comparison

MPD Simulator vs Mining Methods

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side โ€” with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

MPD Simulator

Features
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This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad. This application provides practical simulations of the Dynamic Well Control on the Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) operations in the oil field services. With Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD), when kicks occur, they are typically smaller, contained more quickly, and, in some cases, they may be circulated out through MPD equipment without drilling or circulation interruption. This simulator is the new project based on the Drilling Simulators on our portfolio, but specifically for dynamic well control on onshore and offshore operations (deepwater). MPD System on this simulator: 1. RCD โ€“ Rotating Control Device 2. Annular Preventer (or Drill String Isolation Tool โ€“ DSIT) 3. Automatic Choke for CBHP (Constant Bottom Hole Pressure), CDP (Constant Drill Pipe), CBP (Constant BackPressure or Choke Pressure) 4. RPD โ€“ Rig Pump Diverter 5. BPP โ€“ Back Pressure Pump Additional features: 1. Driller Interface based on Pressure Gauge, Weight Indicator, Rotary Torque gauge and Geolograph. 2. Choke Interface based on Digital Panel. 3. Graph in full screen (with background color in black or white) for analysis. 4. Special screen layout optimised for all iPhone and iPad models. 5. (iPad version) Three codes (admin, instructor, student) to view the gas into the borehole, the pressure at bottom, at shoe and at bop and to enable / disable the Lag Time (by adjusting the choke to change the kill pressure and drill pipe pressure, etc). (Attention: The Initial codes: "0000") NOTE: This simulator works with Auto/Manual Control on MPD Choke ONLY. For well control based on conventional rig choke panel, please buy the "Drilling Simulator 3" also available on our portfolio on the App Store. Thanks. Other features also available: A graphical very useful tool for training of roughnecks, derrickmen, drillers, toolpusher, drilling engineers and students in the well control procedures. - Ability to drilling, kick detection, shut-in, stabilisation of pressures; - Interactive System: no pre-set methods; - Ability to apply control methods: Driller's method, wait and weight, dynamic volumetric and static volumetric (lubricate and bleed); - Hydraulics and Hydrostatics; - Behavior of the kick; - Applied with subsea stack or surface stack; - Set well with until 4 sections: riser, casing, liner, open hole ; - Set Drillstring with drillpipe1, drillpipe2, heavy weight, drillcollar1, drillcollar2 Kick Model in this simulator: The model assumes that the kick starts as a single bubble at the bottom of the hole and migrates upward as a single bubble from the bottom to the surface. In underbalanced condition (BHP

About

Mining Methods

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Mining Method Selector is an intuitive iPhone/iPad app designed to help mining engineers, students, and industry professionals identify the most suitable underground mining method for a given deposit. Using key deposit indicators (KDI) and key mining indicators (KMI) from A. Nieto (2010), the app guides users through a step-by-step input process, performs logical decision analysis, and displays the recommended mining method along with illustrative images. Its clean user interface includes a quick-access menu for related reference tables and a compact citation for academic reference.

Screenshots

MPD Simulator4 screens
Mining Methods4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Mining Methods at Free against MPD Simulator's $49.99. Mining Methods also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 4 months). MPD Simulator's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.5). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Mining Methods is free to download; MPD Simulator costs $49.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MPD Simulator ships an update every 4 months, Mining Methods weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and May 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences ยท 3 level
MPD Simulator versus Mining Methods: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMPD SimulatorMining Methods
Price$49.99Free โ€” better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsWeekly โ€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS12.0 โ€” better18.5
Further details โ€” not scored
Size29 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCarlos MouraTony Nieto

In-app purchases

None

MPD Simulator

No in-app purchases

None

Mining Methods

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MPD Simulator free?
MPD Simulator costs $49.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Mining Methods free?
Mining Methods is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do MPD Simulator or Mining Methods have ads?
Neither MPD Simulator nor Mining Methods shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MPD Simulator or Mining Methods?
MPD Simulator ships an update every 4 months, and Mining Methods weekly. Most recently, MPD Simulator was updated on September 15, 2026 and Mining Methods on May 15, 2026.

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