Attenuating Severe Slug Flow at Large Valve Opening for Increased Oil Production Without Feedback Control Signal
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Date
2016
Authors
Ehinmowo, A.B
Orodu, O.D
Anawe, P.A
Ogunleye, O.O
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier B.V
Abstract
In the co-current flow of gas-liquid mixtures through pipeline-riser system, severe slugging is frequently
encountered and manifests in significant fluctuation of flow and pressure. This can pose serious threat to
production facilities. The most common method for its mitigation is by choking which unfortunately
could negatively affect production. The objective of this study therefore is to develop a technique that can
help stabilise the system and maximise production simultaneously.
In this paper, a new general method for multiphase flow system stability analysis was proposed based
on a new passive attenuation method – the intermittent absorber. A series of experiments were carried
out in a 4″ pipeline-riser system which is 55 m long with horizontal pipe inclined at 2° connected to
10.5 m high catenary riser followed by 3 m horizontal topside section. Air and water were used as experimental fluids. Numerical studies were also conducted on a 4″ pipeline-riser system to proof the concept.
The results showed that the intermittent absorber possess potential for stabilising severe slug flow at
larger valve opening and lower pressure. For the case studied, up to 9% reduction in the riser base
pressure was reported which practically implies increased oil production.
Description
Staff Publications
Keywords
Severe slugging , Slug attenuation , Increased production , Choking
Citation
Ehinmowo, A.B [Et...al] Attenuating Severe Slug Flow at Large Valve Opening for Increased Oil Production Without Feedback Control Signal. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering.