Evaluation of vertical multiphase flow correlations for Saudi Arabian field conditions

Abstract

The most widely used vertical multiphase flow correlations have been tested against field measurements to determine the best correlations for Saudi Arabian field conditions. A total of 414 field data points covering pipe sizes from 2.375 in to 7.0 in., oil flow rate from 280 to 23,200 BPD, water cut up to 95%, and gas-oil ratio upto 927 SCF/STB were used in this study. The standard correlations of Aziz and Govier, Hagedorn and Brown, Duns and Ros, Hasan and Kabir, Orkiszewski and Beggs and Brill were tested. In addition, attempts to improve some of the above correlations using the more recent flow pattern maps of Dukler, and Weisman and Kang has been performed. Furthermore, the Orkiszewski, and Duns and Ros flow pattern transition criteria were incorporated in Aziz and Govier corelations and tested. The standard Beggs and Brill correlation provided the best predictions considering all data combined. However, Hagedorn and Brown correlation provided better predictions for water cuts above 80%, while Kabir and Hasan correltion provided better predictions for total liquid rate higher than 20,000 BPD.