Numerical Simulation and Experimental Investigation of Variable Mass Flow in Horizontal Wellbores: Single-Phase and Multiphase Analysis

Abstract

Considering the current limitations and restricted scope of existing experiments, as well as the absence of corresponding numerical simulation verifications and comparisons, and the lack of actual case studies of variable mass flow calculation and comparison, this study focuses on high production oilfields in the Mideast and South China Sea. The objective is to investigate single-phase and multiphase variable mass flow through numerical and experimental simulations. The study develops linear regression equations to establish the relationship between the mixture pressure drop caused by side flow and the velocities of the main flow, as well as the ratio between side and main flow velocities. Actual calculations using these equations are provided. The comprehensive analysis reveals that, for a fixed total flow rate, an increase in the side versus main injection velocity ratio leads to an increase in pressure loss before and after the injection hole. In single-phase flow, the friction factor for side hole flow is generally higher than that for only axial main flow, with the same total flow rate. In multiphase flow, when the gas-liquid ratio (GLR) is relatively large, the side flow has minimal impact on pressure drop, while at lower GLR values, the side flow significantly increases the pressure drops. When predicting the pressure drop for single-phase variable mass flow in horizontal wellbores, it is appropriate to consider only the mixture pressure drop caused by the closest hole to the calculation section, assuming the injection hole flow rates are approximately equal. In terms of predicting the productivity of single-phase variable mass flow, it is crucial to consider the mixture pressure drop. Neglecting the mixture pressure drop can lead to relatively larger productivity prediction results, with potential production rate errors exceeding 50%. The accuracy of the prediction is influenced by the ratio of mixture pressure drop to production pressure differential, and the pressure along the external zone of the screen pipe is higher when considering the mixture pressure drop compared to when it is neglected. Additionally, the flow rate along the external zone of the screen pipe becomes more non-uniform when the mixture pressure drop is considered. Furthermore, the findings from the single-phase and multiphase flow experiments suggest that significant deviations in production rates may occur in scenarios with low gas-liquid ratio (GLR), highlighting the need for further investigation in this area.