Multiphase flow simulation in offshore pipelines: An accurate and fast algorithm applied to real-field data. (15th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Góes, Maria Rosa R.T.; Guedes, Thamires A.L.; Teixeira, Rodrigo G.D.; Melo, Príamo A.; Tavares, Frederico W.; Secchi, Argimiro R.
• Is Part Of: Chemical engineering science. Volume 268(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-03-15
• Subjects: Multiphase flow -- Real-time application -- Offshore pipelines -- Field data; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; Génie chimique -- Périodiques; Chemical engineering; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 660
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2022.118438
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-2509

Abstract

Highlights: Iterative algorithm proposed to fit a multiphase flow model to measured data from offshore oil fields. Useful for real-time applications, such as process monitoring and flow assurance analysis. The relative errors in the outlet temperature and the inlet pressure were less than 2.5%. Abstract: This work proposes an iterative algorithm to fit a multiphase flow model to measured data from offshore fields to be used in real-time applications. Due to the best compromise between accuracy and computational speed, the Drift-Flux Model was used in the proposed procedure to describe the multiphase flow behavior inside a real offshore production pipeline. The predicted temperature and pressure drops were compared to real-time data to verify the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. The relative errors in the outlet temperature and the inlet pressure between the predicted and real-time data were less than 2.5%. Firstly, Two-Fluid and Drift-Flux model validation and comparison with two well-known software programs were carried out using experimental data. Secondly, a hypothetical production pipeline was used to verify the computational cost and the main fluid flow properties. For comparison, the same fluid, pipeline dimensions, and material properties were also implemented into well-known software.