Difference between revisions of "Liquid loading"

From wiki.pengtools.com
Jump to: navigation, search
(Math & Physics)
(Math & Physics)
Line 12: Line 12:
 
:<math> v_g = 1.593\ \sigma^{1/4}\ \frac{({\rho_L-\rho_g})^{1/4}}{\rho_g^{1/2}}</math><ref name= Lea/>.
 
:<math> v_g = 1.593\ \sigma^{1/4}\ \frac{({\rho_L-\rho_g})^{1/4}}{\rho_g^{1/2}}</math><ref name= Lea/>.
  
''Note that original paper<ref name=Turner/> uses 20.4 constant which is good if surface tension units are in 'lbf/ft'. 20.4 is adjusted form theoretical equations by 20 percent.<br>
+
''Note that original paper<ref name=Turner/> uses 20.4 constant which is good if surface tension units are in 'lbf/ft'. Also 20.4 is calculated by adjusting from theoretical equations by 20 percent.<br>
 
For the reference PROSPER uses 2.04. PQplot uses 1.593.''
 
For the reference PROSPER uses 2.04. PQplot uses 1.593.''
  

Revision as of 08:44, 7 May 2024

Brief

Liquid loading is a phenomenon when the gas phase does't provide sufficient transport energy to lift the liquids out of the well.

In 1969 Turner et al. published an empirical correlation defining the Liquid loading gas velocity[1].

Liquid Loading

Math & Physics

The minimum gas velocity to remove the liquid equation:

 v_g = 1.593\ \sigma^{1/4}\ \frac{({\rho_L-\rho_g})^{1/4}}{\rho_g^{1/2}}[2].

Note that original paper[1] uses 20.4 constant which is good if surface tension units are in 'lbf/ft'. Also 20.4 is calculated by adjusting from theoretical equations by 20 percent.
For the reference PROSPER uses 2.04. PQplot uses 1.593.

The minimum gas rate to remove the liquid equation:

 q_g = 3.067\ \frac{P\ v_g\ A}{T\ z}

Discussion

To avoid the Liquid loading the gas velocity should be above the Liquid loading velocity.

The higher the gas rate the higher the gas velocity.

The lower the wellhead flowing pressure the higher the gas rate.

The bigger the tubing ID the higher the gas rate.

In case when the gas rate is limited by the Reservoir deliverability smaller tubing ID will increase the gas velocity.

Nomenclature

 A = flow area, ft^2
 P = flowing wellhead pressure, psia
 q_g = gas rate, MMscf/d
 \rho_g = gas density, lbm/ft3
 \rho_L = liquid density, lbm/ft3
 \sigma = surface tension, dyne/cm (ref values: 60 - water, 20 - condensate) [1]
 T = flowing temperature, °R
 v_g = gas velocity, ft/sec
 z = gas compressibility factor at flowing P & T, dimensionless

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Turner, R. G.; Hubbard, A. E.; Dukler (Nov 1969). "Analysis and Prediction of Minimum Flow Rate for the Continuous Removal of Liquids from Gas Wells"Free registration required. Journal of Petroleum Technology (SPE-2198-PA): 1475–1482. 
  2. Lea, J. F.; Nickens, M.; Wells (2011). Gas Well DeliquificationPaid subscription required. Energy Tribune Publishing Inc.