Minimum Gas Flow Rate for Continuous Liquid Removal in Gas Wells

Abstract

ABSTRACT Several publications on the prediction of minimum gas flow rates for continuous liquid removal in gas wells are indicative of the interest the industry has in this subject. Some of the noteworthy studies are those of Duggan (1961) and Turner, et al, (1969). One limitation of Turner's work is the treatment of entrained liquid drops in the gas core independent of the continuous film region, even though it is acknowledged that interactions between the two regions exist and are continuous in the entrainment process. Other treatments of the subject have been mainly empirical, based on observation in particular gas fields, with no claims to general application. A large bank of available experimental data by several investigators for upward annular dispersed flow was used to develop correlations for the prediction of entrainment, film thickness and pressure drops by Hughmark (1973). These correlations have been applied, with some modifications to the gas well situation. Duns and Ros pressure drop correlation has been incorporated in this model because of its better accuracy in the annular-mist flow region. Comparison of results from this model with field results show marked improvement in minimum gas flow rate prediction accuracy that should be beneficial to the industry.