Abstract
This study experimentally investigates the drag reduction characteristics of the most commonly used polymer fluids in coiled tubing applications. The flow loop employed consists of 12.7mm straight and coiled tubing sections. The curvature ratio (a∕R, where a and R are the radii of the tubing and the reel drum, respectively) investigated is from 0.01 to 0.076, which covers the typical curvature ratio range encountered in the oil and gas industry applications. Fluids tested include xanthan gum, guar gum, and hydroxypropyl guar at various polymer concentrations. It is found that the drag reduction in coiled tubing is significantly lower than that in straight tubing, probably due to the effect of secondary flow in curved geometry. The onset of drag reduction is also found to be delayed as the curvature ratio was increased. A correlation for the maximum drag reduction (MDR) asymptote in coiled tubing is developed. When the curvature ratio is set to zero, the new correlation reduces to the well-known Virk’s MDR asymptote for dilute polymer solutions in straight pipes. A new drag reduction envelope is proposed for the analysis of drag reduction behavior of polymeric fluids in coiled tubing. Application of the new drag reduction envelope is also discussed.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
