Core-annular oil/water flow: the turbulent-lubricating-film model and measurements in a 2-in. pipe loop

Journal Article · Fri Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1985 · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/13725-MS· OSTI ID:5063969

Oliemans, R V.A.; Duijvestijn, A; Ooms, G; Wu, H L

Core-flow tests with a 3000 mPa.s fuel oil in a 2-inch test facility have revealed important information on the amplitudes and lengths of waves at the oil/water interface. The wavelengths vary considerably with water fraction and oil velocity. Moreover, the flow in the water annulus is turbulent. A previously developed theoretical model for steady core-annular flow in pipes has been extended by incorporating the effect of turbulence in the water film surrounding the oil core. Core-flow pressure gradients predicted by the adapted model coincide very well with measurements provided that actual wave amplitudes and wavelengths observed during these tests are used as input data.

• Research Organization: Koninklijke/Shell Laboratorium
• OSTI ID: 5063969
• Journal Information: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States), Vol. SPE13725
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
OIL WELLS
FLOW MODELS
HYDRODYNAMICS
TURBULENT FLOW
BOUNDARY LAYERS
FIELD PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT
FUEL OILS
INTERFACES
WATER
WAVELENGTHS
EQUIPMENT
FLUID FLOW
FLUID MECHANICS
FUELS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
LAYERS
LIQUID FUELS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MECHANICS
OILS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
WELLS
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production