A New Method for Measuring Water Holdup of Oil-Water Two-Phase Flow in Horizontal Wells

Abstract

The production profile logging technology of Oil-water two-phase flow is an important support technology for efficient development of horizontal oil wells. Moreover, the water holdup of Oil-water two-phase flow is one of the important dynamic measurement parameters for production profile logging technology. Flow patterns in horizontal oil wells are more complex than those in vertical oil wells, making water holdup measurements more difficult. In China, horizontal oil wells are characterized by low liquid production, high water cut and layered development; hence, the concentrating flow logging scheme is adopted to reduce the effects of flow patterns on measurement. In this paper, we proposed a new method of measuring water holdup of Oil-water two-phase flow for the production profile logging in horizontal oil wells. Firstly, the structure of water holdup sensors and the measuring principle of water holdup were introduced. Secondly, the dynamic test research was carried out on the horizontal well simulation facility by using the test prototype of the water holdup measurement method of Oil-water two-phase flow. Additionally, the response characteristics of water holdup sensors at five inclined angles were emphatically discussed. Finally, the measurement error of water holdup was calculated and evaluated in detail. Experimental results show that the absolute values of measurement error of water holdup are less than 5% while the total flow rate ranged from 10 m3/d to 200 m3/d, and the water cut ranged from 30% to 90%, respectively.