Gilbert choke equation
From wiki.pengtools.com
By Mikhail Tuzovskiy on 20241108191031
Contents
Brief
The most common formula used for multiphase flow through surface chokes developed by Gilbert in 1954[1].
Gilbert developed his empirical equation from field data in California[2].
Math and Physics
Note that the equation is independent of the downstream pressure and assumes that the downstream pressure is less than 70% of the upstream pressure, i.e. the flow is "critical" i.e. fluid reach sonic velocity in the throat of the choke[3].
Example
Given data
Oil rate = 600 bbl/d, GLR=400 scf/bbl, D=22/64 in, Line pressure = 180 psia
Calculate the well head pressure?
Solution
Validity check 180/474.7=0.38 < 0.7 OK
Nomenclature
- = choke beam diametr, 64th of an inch
- = gas liquid ratio, Mscf/bbl or 10^3 scf/bbl
- = well head pressure, psig
- = liquid flow rate, bbl/d
References
- ↑ Gilbert, W.E. (1954). Flowing and Gas-Lift Well Performance. Drilling and Production Practice API. p. 143.
- ↑ Brown, Kermit (1984). The Technology of Artificial Lift Methods. Volume 4. Production Optimization of Oil and Gas Wells by Nodal System Analysis. Tulsa, Oklahoma: PennWellBookss.
- ↑ Economides, M.J.; Hill, A.D.; Economides, C.E.; Zhu, D. (2013). Petroleum Production Systems (2 ed.). Westford, Massachusetts: Prentice Hall. ISBN 978-0-13-703158-0.