Design of a High-Pressure Research Flow Loop for the Experimental Investigation of Liquid Loading in Gas Wells

Fernandez, J. J., Falcone, G. and Teodoriu, C. (2009) Design of a High-Pressure Research Flow Loop for the Experimental Investigation of Liquid Loading in Gas Wells. In: Latin American and Caribbean Petroleum Engineering Conference, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, 31 May-3 June 2009, ISBN 9781615670994 (doi: 10.2118/122786-MS)

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Abstract

Existing models to predict and analyze liquid loading in gas wells are based on steady-state flow. Even when transient multiphase wellbore models are employed, steady-state or pseudo steady-state inflow performance relationships are used to characterize the reservoir. A more reliable approach consists of modeling the dynamics in the near-wellbore region with its transient boundary conditions for the wellbore. The development of new models to mimic these dynamics requires a purpose-built flow loop. We have developed a design to construct such a facility. This new facility will be the first to integrate pipe representing the wellbore with a porous medium that will fully mimic the formation surrounding the wellbore. This design will account not only for flow into the wellbore, but any reverse flow from the pipe into the medium. We used integrated wellbore/reservoir system analysis to screen the parameters required to recreate liquid loading under laboratory conditions. Once the range in operating conditions was defined, the equipment and mechanical components for the facility were selected and designed. Our results showed that three reciprocating compressors working in parallel provide the smallest, most economic, and most flexible configuration for the Tower Lab facility at Texas A and M University. The design of the pressure vessel hosting the porous medium will require a cylindrical body with top- and bottom-welded flathead covers with multiple openings to minimize weight. The required superficial velocities for air and water indicate that the system will need independent injection into the porous medium through two manifolds. Optimally, the system will use digital pressure gauges, coriolis or vortex technology to measure air flow and turbine meters for water flow. The new facility will significantly improve our ability to mimic the physics of multiple phase flow for the development of liquid loading models and lead to better optimization of gas fields.

Item Type:Conference Proceedings
Additional Information:SPE Latin American and Caribbean Petroleum Engineering Conference Proceedings. Volume 3, pages 1156-1172.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Falcone, Professor Gioia
Authors: Fernandez, J. J., Falcone, G., and Teodoriu, C.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
ISBN:9781615670994

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