Impact of Well Production Tubing Diameter on Multiphase Flow Regime Profile in Oredo Fields, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

The impact of production tubing diameter on multiphase flow regime profile is investigated. For a given isolated section of the production tubing in selected wells drilled and completed in Oredo fields, velocity profile and fluid flow characteristics at the production tubing centreline and along the pipe wall were evaluated. Complex flow behaviour is characterised by tubing diameter and asymptotic flow pattern at the tubing surface where no-slip boundary condition was imposed. Future inflow production performance relationship (IPR) and influence on vertical lift performance are determinable from the multiphase flow regime profiles. Furthermore, we investigate the impact of production tubing diameter on multiphase flow regime profile in Oredo oil field Nigeria. Mechanisms responsible for complex fluid flow behaviour and transition in different tubing configuration with implication on production optimisation and performance analysis are also included in the model design and analysis. From the results obtained in this study, it is evident that higher volume of oil is producible from bigger production tubing. However, implications on vertical lift performance and production optimisation require a more critical analyses.