Analysis of the Modeling of Single-Phase Flow in a Perforated Pipe with Wall Fluid Influx

Abstract:

Over the past two decades, the modeling of flow in a perforated pipe with influx through orifices on the pipe wall has been recognized as an important issue especially in the field of horizontal wells. This article provides a careful analysis of the current models that are all based on laboratory experiments. Results show that the models can be mainly divided into two categories according to the number of openings perforated along the conduit surface . One is developed based on experiments with one single perforation, which includes Asheim model, Yalniz model and Zhou model. This kind of models could not be readily used to calculate the pressure losses of the actual flows such as horizontal wellbore flow without modification and thus has a poor applicability. Another is based on experiments with multiple perforations, which includes Siwon model, Yuan model, Ouyang model, Su model and Wang model. Although these models are appropriate for the pressure losses prediction along the completion, all of them are semi-empirical, which implies the huge complexities of developing accurate ones. In addition, Siwon model and Yuan model are relatively the most comprehensive models which could be used to account for the various factors affecting the flow behaviors in perforated pipes. The equivalent friction factor due to pipe wall perforations of Su model has a more theoretical foundation with more room for improvement. This analysis about the models regarding the pressure drops in perforated pipes indicates that more efforts should be made to acquire a better understanding of the complex flow mechanism and build a unified model which is more theoretical and robust.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 275-277)
• Pages: 491-495
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.275-277.491
• Online since: January 2013
• Authors: Quan Zhang, Zhi Ming Wang, Xiao Qiu Wang, Yu Jia Zhai, Jian Guang Wei, Qing Chun Gao
• Keywords: Horizontal Wellbore, Modeling, Perforation, Pressure Drop, Single-Phase Flow

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