Backflow in twin-screw-type multiphase pump

Conference · Tue Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1996

OSTI ID:468218

Egashira, Kazuyuki; Shoda, Shinji; Tochikawa, Tetsuro ^[1]

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1. and others

We experimentally investigated a twin-screw-type multi-phase pump focusing on the backflow in a gap along the twin-screw shafts and scale-up parameters. Although both the backflow and the scale-up parameters have been recognized as important factors in developing multiphase pumps, they have not been clarified yet. We designed and constructed a large-scale test facility suitable for acquiring data on the relationship between back-flow rates and important factors such as differential pressures, gas void fractions, and rotation speed of the shaft. As a result, the backflow rate was estimated as the difference between the volumetric flow rates of pressurized air and water, and those of unpressurized air and water. A physically based model was proposed to describe the backflow by taking into account the differential pressure, gas void fractions, and the rotation speed of the shaft. Evidently from the comparison between the model and the experimental data, the model was certified to simulate successfully the backflow in twin-screw pumps.

• OSTI ID: 468218
• Report Number(s): CONF-961003--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
58 GEOSCIENCES
EVALUATION
OIL FIELDS
PERFORMANCE
PETROLEUM
PRODUCTION
PUMPS
RESERVOIR ENGINEERING