A new model for two-phase oil/water flow: production log interpretation and tubular calculations Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • Flow of an oil/water mixture in vertical flow strings frequently occurs during production from undersaturated oil reservoirs. The undersaturated oil, characterized by the low saturation pressure, can cause liquid/liquid flow over a significant length of the producing string. A rigorous hydrodynamic model is needed to explain the physics of such oil/water flow so that the producing string and artificial lift can be properly designed. Such a model is also essential in interpreting production logs. This work presents the results of experimental and theoretical studies of two phase oil/water mixtures in vertical pipes. A mechanistic approach was adopted to predict the flow behaviour and the drift flux model was used to develop expressions for in-situ oil volume fraction in bubbly, slug and churn flow patterns. The homogeneous model is taken for mist and annular flow regimes. (P.J.B.)

author list (cited authors)

  • Hasan, A. R., & Kabir, C. S.

complete list of authors

  • Hasan, AR||Kabir, CS

publication date

  • January 1988