Outflow Performance Correlation Selection

There is no universal rule for selecting the best flow correlation for a given application. When an outflow performance simulator is used, it is recommended that a Correlation Comparison always be carried out. By inspecting the predicted flow regimes and pressure results, the User can select the correlation that best models the physical situation. Refer to the article titled “Multiphase flow correlations” for more details about flow correlations and their use.

Fancher and Brown is a no-slip correlation, with no flow regime map. Therefore, this correlation cannot be recommended for general use and should not be used for quantitative work. on the other hand, Duns and Ros Modified gives the highest pressure drops in the slug flow regime for oil wells. This is why Fancher Brown (no slip) and Duns and Ros Modified can serve only as quality check boundaries for downhole measurements.

Continue reading

Multiphase flow regimes

Flow Regime maps are useful tools for getting an overview over which flow regimes we can expect for a particular set of input data. Each map is not, however, general enough to be valid for other data sets. It gives a description of the geometrical distribution of a multiphase fluid moving through a pipe. Different flow regimes are used to describe this distribution, the distinction between each one being qualitative and somewhat arbitrary. In vertical or moderately deviated pipes, the most common flow regimes for gas-liquid mixtures are bubble flowslug flowmist flow, churn flow and annular flow. In horizontal wells, there may be stratified or wavy stratified flow in addition to many of the regimes observed in vertical wells. Two-phase flow regimes have often been presented as plots, or maps, with the phase velocities or functions of them on each axis. Earlier maps were named after their authors, for example Griffith-Wallis, Duns-Ros and Taitel-Dukler. The following Figures give an example of flow regime map for a vertical and horizontal flow of a Gas/Liquid mixture.

Continue reading