An analysis of weep holes as a product detection device for underground compensated LPG storage systems
Weep holes have been used widely to detect the presence of Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG) in brine for underground compensated storage systems. When the brine level drops below the weep hole, LPG product enters the brine production system causing an increase in both tubing head pressure and flow rate. To prevent cavern overfill, a cavern shutdown is initiated upon detection of LPG in the surface brine system by pressure or flow instruments at the tubing head. In this study, we have investigated the multiphase flow characteristics of weep hole LPG detection systems to correctly estimate the operating limits. A simple and easy to use model has been developed to predict the tubing head pressure and flow rate increases. The model can be used to implement safer and more efficient operation procedures for underground compensated LPG storage systems. The model predictions for a typical field case are presented. An analysis of weep holes as product detection devices for LPG storage reservoirs has been carried out. It was found that the increases in pressure and flow rates at the tubing head change as a function of injection flow rate of the product. Therefore, a thorough consideration of cavern operating parameters is necessary to evaluate the use constant pressure and flow rate values to initiate emergency shut down of the cavern.
- OSTI ID:
- 272863
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960441-; TRN: 96:003404-0006
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: SPE mid-continent gas symposium: from the reservoir to the burner tip, Amarillo, TX (United States), 28-30 Apr 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of Mid-continent gas symposium; PB: 173 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Numerical Simulations of Leakage from Underground LPG Storage Caverns
Novel coiled tubing application controls large LPG storage well fire