CFD Simulations of Multiphase Flows Containing Large Scale Interfaces and Dispersed Phases with Selected Production Technology Applications

Abstract

Abstract Multiphase flows in oil- and gas pipelines involve a variety of different flow regimes. The different flow regimes are determined by the geometric arrangement of oil, gas and water inside the pipe, and evolve in a dynamic manner along a flowline, from bottom hole to receiving facilities. Along the path of the flow, the geometric fluid arrangements (or flow patterns), which develop dynamically, are often outside what is properly accounted for in existing 1D flow models. In such cases, more detailed multidimensional models are needed. As the industry is facing tighter operating margins and stricter regulatory frameworks, more accurate and predictive tools are needed. It is realized that CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) type models cannot replace 1D models in most cases, but will be an extremely valuable addition to the toolbox in cases where the 1D models may be insufficient. In the present paper a CFD method will be presented which enables such generic simulations. In this model, the physics of coexisting large scale interfaces and dispersed fields (droplets and bubbles) has been handled. Results obtained by a "Quasi-3D" implementation of the model will be shown for a number of important industrial applications. It will also be shown how such tools can also be applied to improve existing 1D frameworks, or directly to tackle multiphase production technology challenges.