Friction Pressure Correlations for Oilfield Polymeric Solutions in Eccentric Annulus

Abstract

Polymer fluids are utilized extensively in the petroleum industry for viscosity enhancement and friction pressure reduction during turbulent flow. Selection of the appropriate correlation for the desired fluid and flow regime is very important for the accurate determination of frictional pressure losses. A range of correlations has been published for predicting frictional losses under annular flow conditions. All these correlations are based on certain assumptions, which limit their application under different operating conditions. This paper presents the results of an experimental study carried out to develop a reliable frictional pressure loss correlation for polymeric solutions in a fully eccentric annulus. Fluids investigated include Water, Guar, Xanthan, and Welan gum under conditions typically encountered in drilling and completion operations. The frictional pressure losses of these polymeric fluids exhibiting drag-reducing characteristics are investigated and analyzed as a function of generalized Reynolds number for each fluid. The experimental set-up includes 200 ft of 1 1/2-in. straight tubing, and 200 ft of (3 1/2-in. × 1 3/4-in.) fully eccentric annuli. Data analysis enabled the development of an improved correlation for polymer solutions in a fully eccentric annulus. Fluids apparent viscosity at 511 sec−1, generalized Reynolds number, and diameter ratio, all of which can be easily determined in the field, were selected as independent variables for the new correlation. Experimental data show that the new correlation estimates friction pressure losses in fully eccentric annuli much better than previously published equations.

Experimental study and predictions of pressure losses of fluids modeled as Herschel–Bulkley in concentric and eccentric annuli in laminar, transitional and turbulent flows

“…Founargiotakis et al (2008) extended the laminar approach and proposed the Kelessidis et al model to cover also transitional and turbulent flows. Ogugbue and Shah (2009) have presented data and flow analysis for drag-reducing polymers in concentric and eccentric annuli covering all flow regimes.…”

Laminar and Turbulent Friction Factors for Annular Flow of Drag-Reducing Polymer Solutions in Coiled-Tubing Operations

“…However, the lower critical generalized Reynolds number for most viscous non-Newtonian fluid lies beyond 2,100, which is similar to that encountered in the transition from laminar to turbulent flow in a pipe. This is evident in the experimental data of Ogugbue and Shah (2009).…”

“…eccentric annulus. They compare the experimental data of Ogugbue and Shah (2009) Haciislamoglu and Langlinais (1990) correlation. The rheological properties of guar fluids are given in Table 1.…”

Machine Learning Methods for Herschel–Bulkley Fluids in Annulus: Pressure Drop Predictions and Algorithm Performance Evaluation

“…Theoretical and experimental investigations conducted by Ahmed et al [27] on (Yield Power Law) YPL fluids in eccentric and concentric annulus with pipe rotation to estimate the overall pressure loss. In another study by Ogugbue and Shah [28], different flow regimes were investigated for YPL fluids to investigate the flow properties in eccentric and concentric annuli for drag-reducing polymers. Mokhtari et al [29] studied the impact on both velocity profiles and pressure loss across annulus by eccentricity.…”