Evaluating the Effects of High Viscosity Liquid on Two Phase Flow Slug Translational Velocity Using Gamma Radiation Methods

Authors
Yahaya D. Baba (The University of Sheffield, UK) | Archibong-Eso Archibong (University of Birmingham, Dubai-UAE) | Aliyu M. Aliyu (University of Nottingham, UK) | Nonso E. Okeke (Edo University Iyamho) | Adamu S. Girei (University of Maiduguri) | Hoi Yeung (Cranfield University, UK)
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2118/198720-MS
Document ID
SPE-198720-MS
Publisher
Society of Petroleum Engineers
Source
SPE Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition, 5-7 August, Lagos, Nigeria
Publication Date
2019
Document Type
Conference Paper
Language
English
ISBN
978-1-61399-691-1
Copyright
2019. Society of Petroleum Engineers
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Slug translational velocity, described as the superimposition of the maximum mixture velocity in the slug body and that of the drift velocity, is a critical parameter for two-phase pipe flow. Accurately determining it is important for the energy-efficient design of oil and gas pipelines. A survey of the literature revealed that existing prediction models of this parameter were developed based on observation from low viscosity liquids (of 1 Pa.s or less). However, its behaviour in pipes transporting higher viscosity oils is significantly different. In this research work, new data for slug translational velocity in high-viscosity oil-gas flows are reported. Scaled experiments were carried out using a mixture of air and Mineral oil of viscosity ranging from 0.7 to 6.0 Pa.s in a 17-m long horizontal pipe of 0.0762 m ID. Temperature dependence of the oil's viscosity is given as μ = −0.0043T3 + 0.0389T2 − 1.4174T + 18.141. The slug translational velocity was measured by means two pairs of two fast-sampling Gamma Densitometers with a sampling frequency of 250 Hz. For the range of experimental flow conditions investigated, increase in liquid oil viscosity was observed to strongly influence slug translational velocity. A new predictive correlation incorporating the effect of viscosity on slug translational velocity was derived using the current dataset and incorporating those obtained in literature with oil viscosity ranging from 0.189–6.0 Pa.s. for horizontal flow. A comparison by statistical analysis and validation and of the new closure relationship showed a remarkably improved performance over existing correlations.

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