Abstract
This study pertains to a carefully designed non-intrusive field experiment aimed at generating data for gas condensate pipeline. A compositional two-phase hydrodynamic model is used to analyze the system with a view of validating and tuning the model for field applications. The field test was designed as part of an existing gas distribution system to collect data on gas condensation and pressure drop in gas pipeline. The test section is a 6-inch, 52,000-ft long pipe to which natural gas from three different fields is fed simultaneously. Detailed topographic profile of the pipeline is drawn so as to obtain the various inclination and inclination changes along the test section. 120 inclination changes are present in the test section. The spatial distribution of the pressure and liquid holdup are not monitored so as to keep the normal operation of the distribution system as intact as possible. However, pressure and gas flow rates are monitored at some key points along the test section. In addition, periodic pigging provides total liquid accumulation over a 4-month period. Gas Chromatographic analysis provides the composition of the transported natural gas.
A compositional two-fluid steady multiphase hydrodynamic model developed from fundamental fluid dynamics is used to describe the formation and dynamic behavior of the gas/condensate system. The results of production runs demonstrate the predictive capability of the model in terms of the basic engineering design variables for this system. A number of interesting findings concerning the behavior of gas condensate flow are made. The model can be used for both design and operational purposes.
