SPE Production & Operations
Volume 25, Number 3, August 2010, pp. 285-295

SPE-124181-PA

A Mechanistic Model for Gas/Liquid Flow in Upward Vertical Annuli

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DOI  More information 10.2118/124181-PA http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/124181-PA

Citation

  • Yu, T.T., Zhang, H.-Q., Li, M.X., and Sarica, C. 2010. A Mechanistic Model for Gas/Liquid Flow in Upward Vertical Annuli. SPE Prod & Oper  25 (3): 285-295. SPE-124181-PA. doi: 10.2118/124181-PA.

Discipline Categories

  • 5.6 Multiphase Flow in Wells

Keywords

  • multiphase flow; annulus configuration; slug dynamics

Summary

In this study, a mechanistic model is developed to predict flow patterns, pressure gradient, and liquid holdup for gas/liquid flow in upward vertical annuli. The flow-pattern-transition model consists of a modified Zhang et al. (2003a) unified model for dispersed-bubble flow and annular-flow-pattern transitions, a Caetano (1986) model for bubbly-flow transition, and a modified Kaya et al. (2001) model for slug- to churn-flow transition. The hydrodynamic models are developed on the basis of the dynamics of slug flow, and the film zone is used as the control volume. The two liquid films are taken into account in the annulus-slug-flow and annular-flow model developments. The churn-flow model is developed on the basis of the Zhang et al. (2003a) unified model for pipe flow by using a much shorter slug length.

© 2010. Society of Petroleum Engineers

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History

  • Original manuscript received: 15 July 2009
  • Meeting paper published: 5 October 2009
  • Revised manuscript received: 15 January 2010
  • Manuscript approved: 19 March 2010
  • Published online: 14 July 2010
  • Version of record: 11 August 2010