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Experimental and Simulation Studies on the Slug Flow in Curve Pipes
Shuzhe Shi1, Guoqing Han2, Ziyao Zhong3
1The Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, Beijing 100083, China.
ACS Omega
|August 9, 2021
Summary
This study analyzes two-phase slug flow in curved pipes, common in oil and gas wells. Findings reveal how pipe curvature, inflow angle, and gas-liquid ratios impact dimensionless slug length, crucial for production stability.
Area of Science:
- Fluid Dynamics
- Petroleum Engineering
- Multiphase Flow
Background:
- Two-phase slug flow in curved pipes is prevalent in oil and gas wells.
- Unstable slug flow can significantly disrupt oil and gas production.
- Understanding slug flow dynamics is critical for optimizing well performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate two-phase slug flow characteristics in curved pipes.
- To analyze the influence of varying inflow angles and gas-liquid velocity ratios on slug flow.
- To develop and apply a dynamic model for simulating field conditions like well completion and throttling.
Main Methods:
- Conducted slug flow experiments in multiple curved pipe configurations.
- Measured real-time pressure using Rosemount gauges and liquid holdup via conductivity sensors.
- Defined and utilized dimensionless slug length (φD) for standardized analysis.
- Employed a dynamic slug flow model based on hydraulic similarity principles for simulations.
Main Results:
- Dimensionless slug length (φD) increases with pipe curvature.
- φD exhibits a decrease followed by an increase with changing inflow angles.
- φD rises as the gas-liquid velocity ratio increases.
- Simulations indicated that large-scale segregated completion and reduced throttle opening decrease flow instability.
Conclusions:
- Pipe curvature, inflow angle, and gas-liquid velocity ratio are key factors influencing slug flow behavior in curved pipes.
- The dimensionless slug length (φD) provides a diameter-independent metric for slug flow analysis.
- Dynamic modeling and experimental data offer insights into mitigating flow instability in oil and gas production.
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