Liquid Loading of Highly Deviated Gas Wells from 60° to 88°

Abstract

Abstract Liquid loading, a common problem in matured gas fields, is investigated experimentally in highly deviated gas wells. The experiments were carried out using air and water in a 3-in ID pipe at well deviation from 60° to 88° from vertical. Pressure gradient and liquid holdup were measured, and flow pattern characteristics as well as onset of liquid loading were observed using video recordings. The results shown a significant effect of the deviation angle on the onset of liquid loading. Benchmark of the results with several two-phase mechanistic models show poor predictions for the pressure gradient but good agreement for liquid holdup.