Multi-phase slug flow forces in pipelines at the Kuparuk production facilities have caused fatigue damage to piping components and vessel nozzles. A program was implemented to modify the existing inlet systems to accommodate slug forces for current and forecast flow conditions. Data acquisition systems were installed to quantify the effect of modifications on vessel stresses. The systems are also providing justification to avoid more costly modifications while allowing continuous improvement of operating parameters in the field.

Keywords:
inlet nozzle, pipeline transient behavior, vessel nozzle, society of petroleum engineers, production logging, two-phase flow, inlet system, reservoir surveillance, slug catcher, production monitoring
Subjects:
Well & Reservoir Surveillance and Monitoring, Pipelines, Flowlines and Risers, Reservoir Fluid Dynamics, Information Management and Systems, Production logging, Pipeline transient behavior, Multiphase flow
Copyright 1993, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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