Expected Accuracy Of Fluid Density Measurements In Deviated Wells Available to Purchase

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of centralized fluid density measurements for both vertical and deviated pipes. Fluid density measurements are an important parameter for production evaluation, and potential errors are critical for the production analyst. The Dresser Atlas flow loop facility in Houston was used for data generation. The fluids used were kerosene and water with flow rates from 170 BFPD to 12000 BFPD, at water cut ratios from 10% to 90% and borehole angles from 0ø to 45ø. Prior studies on the subject from Cmelik and Hill are briefly summarized. The present paper shows new examples of the effects on centralized measurements due to borehole deviation at the above angles and velocities. From this data, new "slip-phase"" relations are calculated and presented for the combined flow of two phases with different flow speeds. A simplified method of estimating water hold-up is demonstrated and matched against both field examples and flow loop tests. In many flow regimes, the new slip-phase relations make possible evaluation of the light phase production, even without accurate flowmeter measurements of velocity. The conclusions are that centralized fluid density measurements in deviated wells are not significantly different from measurements in vertical wellbores. Accurate evaluations of producing intervals are possible in wells with deviation angles ranging from 0ø to 45ø.