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TUALP Abstract
 

Christophe N. Atangana (Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering)
Slug Flow at Low Gas and Liquid Flow Rates
(101 pp.)
Directed by Professor Zelimir Schmidt
(147 words)

The objective of this study is to construct an experimental facility, to acquire data on slug flow at low gas and liquid flow rates, and to investigate unstable flow (tubing heading) if observed.

Two hundred six experimental data sets are gathered at low gas and liqu id superficial velocities for an air-water fluids system flowing in a 3 in. diameter, 80 ft high vertical test section. The following operating parameters are measured: absolute and differential pressures, liquid and gas flow rates, liquid holdup and temperature.

A mechanistic model based on Chokshi approach is derived that predicts pressure gradient in the tubing for conditions of slug flow at low gas and liquid flow rates. A two-equation correlation model is also tested to predict pressure gradient. Finally, a model is constructed to predict corresponding pressure fluctuations.

The model predictions are good, but can be improved by upgrading the facility instrumentation.

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Last updated September 04, 2012