Well trajectory effect on slug flow development

Abstract

The effect of horizontal well trajectory on slug flow development was experimentally studied using a 2.0 in. ID flow loop to mimic different well trajectories. Inclination angle in the lateral section was varied ±1° from the horizontal to simulate three well configurations, namely, toe-down, one-undulation with a sump, and one-undulation with a hump. Slug length and frequency along the well were measured using fourteen conductivity probes located along the test section. Experimental results indicated that slug length in the vertical and lateral sections of a well present values up to four and two times, respectively, larger than typical dimensionless slug length reported in the literature. Furthermore, slug flow development along the vertical section is affected by the lateral section deviation angle and length. At the same time, lateral section slug flow development is affected by liquid fall back from the vertical section and lateral section length. Slug characterization along the well is critical to properly design and operate downhole and surface equipment and properly predict pressure gradient and liquid holdup along the well.