JPT

Vol. 59 No. 5

May 2007

Artificial Lift

Prediction of Slug-to-Annular Flow-Pattern Transition

Slug-flow to annular-flow transition occurring during upward gas/liquid flow is a source of flow instabilities often experienced in conventional gas lift as well as in unloading water accumulated at the bottom of gas wells. In both situations, a significant decrease in tubing pressure from perforations to wellhead is associated with a significant increase in superficial gas velocity and may induce flow-pattern transitions. The full-length paper uses field data and laboratory measurements to suggest that flow-pattern transition can result in flow instabilities and should be avoided.

 

View a Synopsis of SPE 100615 published in JPT.

This article, written by Assistant Technology Editor Karen Bybee, contains highlights of paper SPE 100615, "Prediction of Slug-to-Annular Flow-Pattern Transition (SAT) for Reducing the Risk of Gas Lift Instabilities and Effective Gas-Liquid Transport From Low-Pressure Reservoirs," by P. Toma, SPE, P.R. Toma Consulting Ltd., and E. Vargas and E. Kuru, SPE, U. of Alberta, prepared for the 2006 SPE Gas Technology Symposium, Calgary, 15-17 May.

What do you want to do?