Wellbore drift flow relation suitable for full flow pattern domain and full dip range

• Published in: Petroleum exploration and development 2022-06, Vol.49 (3), p.694-706
• Main Authors: LOU, Wenqiang, WANG, Zhiyuan, LI, Pengfei, SUN, Xiaohui, SUN, Baojiang, LIU, Yaxin, SUN, Dalin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: distribution coefficient; drift flow model; gas drift velocity; multi-phase flow; wellbore pressure control
• ISSN: 1876-3804; 1876-3804
• DOI: 10.1016/S1876-3804(22)60058-2

Aiming at the simulation of multi-phase flow in the wellbore during the processes of gas kick and well killing of complex-structure wells (e.g., directional wells, extended reach wells, etc.), a database including 3561 groups of experimental data from 32 different data sources is established. Considering the effects of fluid viscosity, pipe size, interfacial tension, fluid density, pipe inclination and other factors on multi-phase flow parameters, a new gas-liquid two-phase drift flow relation suitable for the full flow pattern and full dip range is established. The distribution coefficient and gas drift velocity models with a pipe inclination range of −90°–90° are established by means of theoretical analysis and data-driven. Compared with three existing models, the proposed models have the highest prediction accuracy and most stable performance. Using a well killing case with the backpressure method in the field, the applicability of the proposed model under the flow conditions with a pipe inclination range of −90°–80° is verified. The errors of the calculated shut in casing pressure, initial back casing pressure and casing pressure when adjusting the displacement are 2.58%, 3.43%, 5.35%, respectively. The calculated results of the model are in good agreement with the field backpressure data.