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http://dx.doi.org/10.5916/jkosme.2013.37.5.548

Tapered production tubing design considering flow stability and production rate  

Kim, Sung-Il (Department of Energy Systems Engineering, Seoul National University)
Jo, Gyung-Nam (DSME)
Choe, Jonggeun (Department of Energy Resources Engineering, Seoul National University)
Publication Information
Journal of Advanced Marine Engineering and Technology / v.37, no.5, 2013 , pp. 548-556 More about this Journal
Abstract
A tapered production tubing with two different inner diameters has been suggested to increase production rates. In this research, various tapered tubing combinations are taken into account and possible tubing combinations are proposed to satisfy each objective. In previous studies, production enhancement was the main goal. However, this research also considers flow stability by analyzing tubing pressure traverse, liquid holdup, and operating conditions. For a reservoir assumed in this research, a tapered tubing of, 4.5 inch inner diameter(ID) and 2000 ft in length in the lower part and 5.5 inch ID and 8000 ft in the upper part, shows the highest net present value. Compared to a mono tubing, tapered tubings enable various tubing designs because they have smaller differences in frictional pressure loss. It is important to maintain low liquid holdup to prevent liquid loading. Smaller ID of tapered tubing in the lower part enables to achieve the object. In conclusion, it is identified that various tubing designs are achievable from the analyses of overall production operations depending on purposes specified.
Keywords
Tapered tubing; Tubing combinations; Flow stability; Liquid holdup; Frictional pressure loss;
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