A study of axial and radial flows for annular channels with roughened walls

Boone, Kelly M. (2005) A study of axial and radial flows for annular channels with roughened walls. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The accurate prediction of pressure drop in production wells is very important to the petroleum industry. To decide if a reservoir is economically feasible, the underground reservoir's naturally occurring pressure should be properly determined. -- In the initial stages of production, most oil is produced by natural lift production methods. In older reservoirs, unless injection methods are employed, the underground pressure eventually declines and oil will no longer naturally flow to the surface. Artificial lift techniques must then be used to extract the oil from the reservoir. Flow through an annulus, or casing flow, is used with artificial lift techniques. Due to the importance of casing flow, predicting pressure drop in these circumstances has become quite important. -- Experiments were carried out using the multiphase flow loop at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Pressure differentials through varying sized annular channels with varying axial and radial flow rates were measured. For each of the three test sections incorporated into the design of the annulus, independent variables such as flow rate and pipe roughness were altered to study the effect each of these parameters would have on the pressure drop and hence the associated friction factors. -- The data was collected and experimental friction factors were calculated. These values were plotted as a function of Reynolds numbers and compared to friction factors found theoretically.

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