The oil-water stratified flow pattern is common in the petroleum industry, especially in offshore directional wells and pipelines. Using the experimental rig of the Thermal-Fluids Engineering laboratory of the Engineering School of Sao Carlos at University of Sao Paulo, stratified and semi-stratified flow patterns at different pipe inclinations were observed and characterized by an objective technique (time-frequency pressure signature analysis); objective transition criteria are suggested and based on it, flow pattern maps of the superficial velocities for several inclinations are generated. New holdup and pressure drop data in inclined stratified flow were acquired, which are compared with predictions of the standard homogeneous and two-fluid models. The comparisons help to assess the limitations of the two-fluid model for stratified flow.

Keywords:
upstream oil & gas, wallis 1969, production control, pressure drop data, inclination, oil superficial velocity, superficial velocity, flow pattern, flow pattern map, bhr group 2011
Subjects:
Well & Reservoir Surveillance and Monitoring, Production logging
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2011. BHR Group 2011 Multiphase 15
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