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Current TUALP Research
 

CFD Simulation, Experiments and Modeling of ESP Performance under Gassy Conditions

PI: Jianjun Zhu, Research Assistant, PhD Student

Objectives:

• CFD simulation of gas-liquid flow in ESP
• Measurements of ESP performance under different gas volumetric fractions (GVF)
• Mechanistic modeling of ESP performance under gassy conditions
• Compare simulation and modeling results with experimental observations and measurements

Abstract:

TUALP has conducted extensive experimental studies on ESP performance with various gas involvements. The competition between turbulent homogenizing and centrifugal separation in an ESP stage under different flow conditions can be better understood with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation. This is especially important for hydrocarbon fluid production. The pressure and temperature distributions will also affect phase change. With the advances of computing power and simulation software, CFD becomes more and more powerful for simulations of single-phase and multiphase flows in turbine machinery and rotation equipment such as ESP. In this study, CFD simulation will be used to better understand the flow behavior and to develop mechanistic models for the prediction of ESP performance at different GVF, rpm and fluid properties. Experiments will be conducted to measure ESP performance under different GVF. The interfacial tension effect will be investigated. CFD simulation results will be compared with experimental data and observations under different flow conditions to identify the deficiencies of the closure laws used in the CFD simulations. CFD simulation can also assist with the design of experimental programs and the interpretation of experimental results.
 

Contour surface of 30% gas void fraction corresponding to 10% GVF

Last updated October 09, 2013