Predicting liquid gradient in a pumping-well annulus
This work proposes a hydrodynamic model for estimating gas void fraction, f/sub g/, in the bubbly and slug flow regimes. The model is developed from experimental work, involving an air/water system, and from theoretical arguments. The proposed model suggests that prediction of f/sub g/, and hence the bottomhole pressure (BHP), is dependent on such variables as tubing-to-casing-diameter ratio, densities of gas and liquid, and surface tension. Available correlations do not include these variables as flexible inputs for a given system. Computation on a field example indicates that slug flow is the most dominant flow mechanism near the top of liquid column at the earliest times of a buildup test. As buildup progresses, transition from slug to bubbly flow occurs in the entire liquid column. Beyond the afterflow-dominated period, the effect of bubbly flow diminishes as gas flow becomes negligibly small. Comparisons of BHP's are made with the proposed and available correlations. Because the proposed model predicts f/sub g/ between these of the Godbey-Dimon and Podio et al. correlations, BHP is predicted accordingly.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of North Dakota (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 7053099
- Journal Information:
- SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Product. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Product. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 3:1; ISSN SPENE
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
03 NATURAL GAS
030300 -- Natural Gas-- Drilling
Production
& Processing
AIR
BUBBLES
ENERGY SOURCES
FLOW MODELS
FLUID FLOW
FLUID MECHANICS
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
HYDRAULICS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
LIQUID FLOW
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MECHANICS
NATURAL GAS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
OIL WELLS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
TWO-PHASE FLOW
VOID FRACTION
WATER
WELLS