Evaluating the effects of high viscosity liquid on two phase flow slug translational velocity using gamma radiation methods

Yahaya D. Baba, Archibong Eso Archibong, Aliyu M. Aliyu, Nonso E. Okeke, Adamu S. Girei, Hoi Yeung

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

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 . 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.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSPE Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition 2019, NAIC 2019
PublisherSociety of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
Number of pages18
ISBN (Electronic)9781613996911
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Aug 2019
Externally publishedYes
EventSPE Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition 2019 - Lagos, Nigeria
Duration: 5 Aug 20197 Aug 2019

Conference

ConferenceSPE Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition 2019
Abbreviated titleNAIC 2019
Country/TerritoryNigeria
CityLagos
Period5/08/197/08/19

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