Comparative CFD modelling of pressure differential flow meters for measuring two-phase geothermal fluid flow. (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mubarok, Mohamad Husni; Cater, John E.; Zarrouk, Sadiq J.
• Is Part Of: Geothermics. Volume 86(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: Pressure differential -- Geothermal fluid -- Two-phase flow meters -- Computational fluid dynamics -- Mass flow rate -- Enthalpy; Hydrogeology -- Periodicals; Geothermal resources -- Periodicals; Énergie géothermique -- Périodiques; GEOTHERMAL ENGINEERING; GEOTHERMAL ENERGY; GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION; Geothermal resources; Hydrogeology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 621.44
• DOI: 10.1016/j.geothermics.2020.101801
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0375-6505

Abstract

Highlights: Measuring mass flow rate and enthalpy are crucial when operating geothermal wells. Numerical models for six types of pressure-differential flow meters were developed. CFD models were compared favourably to field testing data and transient models. The Venturi has least pressure drop followed by the nozzle and segmental orifice. Abstract: Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models solved using ANSYS Fluent to simulate the two-phase geothermal fluid flows in production pipelines using six types of flow meters: concentric orifice, top eccentric orifice, bottom eccentric orifice, segmental orifice, Nozzle and Venturi tubes. The CFD models were then developed to predict fluid flow behaviour, including net pressure drop, velocity, turbulent kinetic energy, mass flow rate, temperature, enthalpy and entropy. The results are useful for selecting the appropriate pressure differential flow meter to measure the output of geothermal wells and their total power potential, which is of most importance to the geothermal industry.