A New Mechanistic Model for Two-Phase Flow Through Eccentric Horizontal Annulus

Abstract

Abstract Multiphase technology is improving everyday in order to provide solutions for even most difficult design problems in most aspects of engineering. In drilling engineering, two-phase flow occurs during underbalanced drilling operations, especially in multilateral and extended reach wells. It has been a challenge for years to identify the flow patterns and predict the frictional pressure losses through circular pipes. Even less is known for annular geometries. In this study, a mechanistic model is developed in order to determine the frictional pressure losses occurring during flow through horizontal eccentric annular conduit. The flow pattern maps and estimated frictional pressure losses using the model are compared with experimental data gathered at METU-PETECTFL multiphase flow loop. The results show that model can accurately predict the flow pattern and frictional pressure losses for eccentric annulus. It is also observed that, the flow pattern boundaries for annular geometries differ from those for pipes having same hydraulic diameter.