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
Downloads
2 in the last 30 days
41 since 2007
Show more detail
View rights & permissions
SPE Member Price: USD 9.50
SPE Non-Member Price: USD 28.00
Abstract

Slug translational velocity, described as the velocity of slug units, is the summation of the maximum mixture velocity in the slug body and the drift velocity. Accurate estimation of this parameter is important for 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.

File Size  1 MBNumber of Pages   18

Al-Safran, E. (2009). Investigation and prediction of slug frequency in gas/liquid horizontal pipe flow. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 69(1–2), 143–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2009.08.009

Al-safran, E. M., Gokcal, B., & Sarica, C. (2013). Investigation and Prediction of High-Viscosity Liquid Effect on Two-Phase Slug Length in Horizontal Pipelines. SPE Production & Operations, 28(3), 12–14. https://doi.org/10.2118/150572-PA

Al-safran, Gokcal, B., Cem Sarica, & Sarica, C. (2013). Investigation and Prediction of High-Viscosity Liquid Effect on Two-Phase Slug Length in Horizontal Pipelines. SPE Production & Operations, 28(3), 12–14. https://doi.org/10.2118/150572-PA

Al Awadi, H. (2011). Multiphase Characteristics of High Viscosity Oil, 315.

Alboudwarej, H., Felix, J., Taylor, S., Badry, R., Bremner, C., Brough, B., … West, C. (2006). Highlighting heavy oil. Oilfield Review, 18(2), 34–53. Retrieved from http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-33750047195&partnerID=40&md5=76213b2719151416f2ba741951baf65b

Aliyu, A. M., Baba, Y. D., Lao, L., Yeung, H., & Kim, K. C. (2017). Interfacial friction in upward annular gas–liquid two-phase flow in pipes. Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.expthermflusci.2017.02.006

Archibong-Eso, A., Baba, Y., Aliyu, A., Zhao, Y., Yan, W., & Yeung, H. (2018). On slug frequency in concurrent high viscosity liquid and gas flow. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 163(2), 600–610. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2017.12.071

Archibong-Eso, A., Okeke, N., Baba, Y., Aliyu, A.., Lao, L., & Yeung, H. (2019). Estimating slug liquid holdup in high viscosity oil-gas two-phase flow. Flow Measurement and Instrumentation, 65(March 2018), 22–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.flowmeasinst.2018.10.027

Archibong, A. (2015). Viscous Multiphase Flow Characteristics in Pipelines (PhD Thesis). Cranfield University, United Kingdom, United Kingdom.

Baba, Y. D. (2016). Experimental Investigation of High Viscous Multiphase Flow in Horizontal Pipelines (Doctoral Thesis). Cranfield University, United Kingdom.

Baba, Y. D., Aliyu, A. M., Archibong, A.-E., Almabrok, A. A., & Igbafe, A. I. (2017). Study of high viscous multiphase phase flow in a horizontal pipe. Heat and Mass Transfer, 54(3), 651–669. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00231-017-2158-5

Baba, Y. D., Aliyu, A. M., Archibong, A. E., Abdulkadir, M., Lao, L., & Yeung, H. (2018). Slug length for high viscosity oil-gas flow in horizontal pipes: Experiments and prediction. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2018.02.003

Baba, Y. D., Archibong, A. E., Aliyu, A. M., & Ameen, A. I. (2017). Slug frequency in high viscosity oil-gas two-phase flow: Experiment and prediction. Flow Measurement and Instrumentation, 54(December 2016), 109–123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.flowmeasinst.2017.01.002

Barnea, D., & Taitel, Y. (1993). A model for slug length distribution in gas-liquid slug flow. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 19(5), 829–838. https://doi.org/10.1016/0301-9322(93)90046-W

Bendiksen, K. H. (1984). An experimental investigation of the motion of long bubbles in inclined tubes. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 10(4), 467–483. https://doi.org/10.1016/0301-9322(84)90057-0

Benjamin, B. (1968). Gravity currents and related phenomena. Journal of Fluid Mech, 31(2), 209–248. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022112068000133

Brito, R., Pereyra, E., & Sarica, C. (2014). Experimental study to characterize slug flow for medium oil viscosities in horizontal pipes. 9th North American Conference on Multiphase Technology, 403–417.

Choi, J., Pereyra, E., Sarica, C., Park, C., & Kang, J. M. (2012). An efficient drift-flux closure relationship to estimate liquid holdups of gas-liquid two-phase flow in pipes. Energies, 5(12), 5284–5306. https://doi.org/10.3390/en5125294

Cook, M., & Behnia, M. (2000). Pressure drop calculation and modelling of inclined intermittent gas–liquid flow. Chemical Engineering Science, 55(20), 4699–4708. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2509(00)00065-8

Cook, M., & Behnia, M. (2001). Bubble motion during inclined intermittent flow. International Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow, 20, 543–551.

Dukler, A. E., & Hubbard, M. G. (1975). A Model for Gas-Liquid Slug Flow in Horizontal and Near Horizontal Tubes. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Fundamentals, 14(4), 337–347. https://doi.org/10.1021/i160056a011

Dukler, A. E., Maron, D. M., & Brauner, N. (1985). A Physical Model For Predicting The Minimum Stable Slug Length. Chemical Engineering Science, 40(8), 1379–1385.

Fabre, J., & Line, A. (1992). Modeling of Two-Phase Slug Flow. Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics, 24(1), 21–46. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.fl.24.010192.000321

Ferré, D. (1979). Écoulements diphasiques à poches en conduite horizontale * Two-phase pocket flow in horizontal pipes. Oil & Gas Science and Technology -Rev. IFP, 34(1), 113–142. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.2516/ogst:1979004

Gokcal, B. (2006). Effects of High Oil Viscosity on Two-Phase Oil–Gas Flow Behavior in Horizontal Pipes (M.Sc Thesis). University of Tulsa.

Gokcal, B. (2008). An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Slug Flow for High Oil Viscosity in Horizontal Pipes, 147.

Gokcal, B., Al-Sarkhi, A., Sarica, C., & Alsafran, E. M. (2009). Prediction of Slug Frequency for High Viscosity Oils in Horizontal Pipes. In SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA: Society of Petroleum Engineers. https://doi.org/10.2118/124057-MS

Gokcal, B., & Sarica, C. (2011). Analysis and Prediction of Heavy Oil Two-Phase Slug Length in Horizontal Pipelines.

Gokcal, B., Sarica, C., & Al-safran, E. (2011). High viscosity liquid effect on two-phase slug length in horizontal pipes. 15th International Conference on Multiphase Production Technology, 257–276.

Gregory, G. a., & Scott, D. S. (1969). Correlation of liquid slug velocity and frequency in horizontal cocurrent gas-liquid slug flow. AIChE Journal, 15(6), 933–935.

Hubbard, M. G. (1975). An Analysis of Horizontal Gas-liquid Slug Flow. University of Houston.

Jepson, W. P. (1989). Modelling the transition to slug flow in horizontal conduit. The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, 67(5), 731–740. https://doi.org/10.1002/cjce.5450670504

Jeyachandra, B. C., Gokcal, B., Al-Sarkhi, A., Serica, C., & Sharma, A. K. (2012). Drift-Velocity Closure Relationships for Slug Two-Phase High-Viscosity Oil Flow in Pipes. Society of Petroleum Engineers, 17(2), 593–601.

Kim, T. W., Aydin, T. B., Pereyra, E., & Sarica, C. (2018). International Journal of Multiphase Flow Detailed flow field measurements and analysis in highly viscous slug flow in horizontal pipes. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 106, 75–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2018.05.005

Kora, C., Sarica, C., Zhang, H., Al-Sarkhi, A., & Al-Safran, E. (2011). Effects of High Oil Viscosity on Slug Liquid Holdup in Horizontal Pipes. In Canadian Unconventional Resources Conference. Alberta, Canada: Society of Petroleum Engineers. https://doi.org/10.2118/146954-MS

Kouba, G. E. (1986). Horizontal slug flow modeling and metering. University. of Tulsa,Tulsa.

Kouba, G. E., & Jepson, W. P. (1990). The Flow of Slugs in Horizontal, Two-Phase Pipelines. Journal of Energy Resources Technology, 112(1), 20–24.

Lacy, C. E. (2012). Applicability of Slug Flow Models to Heavy Oils. SPE Heavy Oil Conference - Canada, 2012, (June), 12–14.

Manolis, I. G. (1995). High Pressure Gas-Liquid Slug Flow (PhD Thesis). Imperial College of Science & Technolgy.

Matsubara, H., & Naito, K. (2011). Effect of liquid viscosity on flow patterns of gas-liquid two-phase flow in a horizontal pipe. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 37(10), 1277–1281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2011.08.001

Mattar, L., & Gregory, G. A. (1974). Air-Oil slug flow in an upward-inclined pipe--I: Slug velocity, holdup and pressure gradient. Journal Canadian Petroleum Technology, 13, 69–76.

Moissis, R., & Griffith, P. (1962). Entrance Effects in Slug Flow. In Transaction of American Society of Mechanical Engineers (A.S.M.E.) (pp. 29–39). Journal Heat Transfer.

Moreiras, J., Pereyra, E., Sarica, C., & Torres, C. F. (2014). Unified drift velocity closure relationship for large bubbles rising in stagnant viscous fluids in pipes. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 124, 359–366. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2014.09.006

Nicholson, M. K., Aziz, K., & Gregory, G. A. (1978). Intermittent Two Phase Flow in Horizontal Pipes: Predictive Models. The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineerin, 56, 653–663.

Nicklin, D., Wilkes, J., & Davidson, J. (1962). Two Phase Flow in Vertical tubes. Transactions of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, 40, 61–68.

Pan, J. (2010). Gas Entrainment in Two-Phase Gas-Liquid Slug Flow, (February), 409.

Pearson, K. G., Jowitt, D.., & Cooper, C. A.. (1984). The THETIS 80% blocked cluster experiment. Part 5. London, UK.

Petalas, N., & Aziz, K. (1998). A Mechanistic Model for Multiphase Flow in Pipes.

Pineda-Perez, H., Kim, T., Pereyra, E., & Ratkovich, N. (2018). CFD modeling of air and highly viscous liquid two-phase slug flow in horizontal pipes. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 23(6). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2018.06.023

Theron, B. (1989). Écoulements diphasiques à poches en conduite horizontale (Phd Thesis). Institut NationalePolytechnique De Toulouse, France.

Wallis, G. B. (1969). One-dimensional two-phase flow,. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Comp (Vol. 16). Newyork: American Institute of Chemical Engineers. https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.690160603

Wang, S., Zhang, H., Sarica, C., & Pereyra, E. (2013). A Mechanistic Slug Liquid Holdup Model for Wide Ranges of Liquid Viscosity and Pipe Inclination Angle. Offshore Technology Conference, (1), 1–11.

Wang, X., Guo, L., & Zhang, X. (2007). An experimental study of the statistical parameters of gas-liquid two-phase slug flow in horizontal pipeline. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 50(11–12), 2439–2443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2006.12.011

Weber, M. E. (1981). Drift in intermittent two phase flow in horizontal pipes. Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, 59, 398–399.

Wei, Y. (2010). Sand Transport In Multiphase Pipelines (PhD Thesis). Cranfield University.

Woods, B. D., & Hanratty, T. J. (1996). Relation of slug stability to shedding rate. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 22(5), 809–828.

Xiao, J. J., Shonham, O., & Brill, J. P. (1990). A Comprehensive Mechanistic Model for Two-Phase Flow in Pipelines. SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, 167–180. https://doi.org/10.2118/20631-MS

Zhang, H.-Q., Wang, Q., Sarica, C., & Brill, J. P. (2003). Unified Model for Gas-Liquid Pipe Flow via Slug Dynamics—Part 2: Model Validation. Journal of Energy Resources Technology, 125(4), 274. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1615618

Zhao, Y. (2014). High Viscosity Liquid Two-phase Flow (PhD Thesis). Cranfield University, United Kingdom, United Kingdom.

Zuber, N., & Findlay, J. A. (1965). Average Volumetric Concentration in Two-Phase Flow Systems. Journal of Heat Transfer, 87(4), 453–468.

Other Resources

Looking for more? 

Some of the OnePetro partner societies have developed subject- specific wikis that may help.


  

PetroWiki was initially created from the seven volume  Petroleum Engineering Handbook (PEH) published by the  Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE).







The SEG Wiki is a useful collection of information for working geophysicists, educators, and students in the field of geophysics. The initial content has been derived from : Robert E. Sheriff's Encyclopedic Dictionary of Applied Geophysics, fourth edition.