Similarity parameters clarified in the conditions of gas wells operation with water phase of various mineralization

Abstract

Determining the effect of the fluid properties extracted from the reservoirs together with the produced gas on the pressure loss in wellbores is an urgent task for many fields and underground gas storages. The similarity parameters clarification of gas-liquid flows in pipes and creation of new modeling methods based on them make it possible to increase the degree of validity of the assigned technological modes at all stages of operation of field facilities containing a liquid phase in the products. Previous experimental studies have made it possible to establish an unambiguous dependence of pressure losses in the well on the amount of fluid represented by condensation water. However, the question of the effect of fluid properties on pressure losses in the path of formation mixture movement from the bottom to the installation of integrated gas treatment remains open. The article describes experimental studies of gas-liquid flows with liquids of high density, allowing us to make appropriate changes to the calculation formulas. Based on the methods of similarity and dimensions, corrections to the parameters included in the calculated relationships are concretized, conclusions of new formulas are given that take into account the influence of the liquid phase density on pressure losses in well bores. The structure of a new similarity parameter, the clarified Buzinov parameter, is substantiated, which allows us to most accurately calculate the stable operating modes of gas wells in fields and underground gas storage with an aqueous phase of various salinity. Relations for quantitative estimates of the effect of reducing pressure losses in gas-liquid flows due to wetting of the inner surface of elevator pipes are presented for the first time.