Scaling rules for multiphase flow in vertical Venturis

What is it about?

This paper examines how a mixture of gas and liquid flows through a pipe called a Venturi tube, which is commonly used to measure flow in the oil and gas industry. The challenge is that these pipes come in varying sizes, and the flow behavior varies depending on the size and operating conditions. To address this issue, the authors develop a scaling rule—a mathematical guideline that helps predict flow behavior in pipes of varying sizes. They use computer simulations (CFD) and laboratory experiments to determine which physical factors, such as pressure, velocity, and fluid properties, are critical to making accurate predictions.

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Photo by Susan Wilkinson on Unsplash

Photo by Susan Wilkinson on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Practical Applications: Venturi tubes are widely used as multiphase flowmeters in oil and gas production. Accurate flow predictions are crucial for monitoring and optimizing production. Cost and Efficiency: Instead of building and testing all possible pipe sizes under various conditions, engineers can use these scaling rules to simulate and predict performance, saving time, cost, and environmental impact. Lab-to-Field Integration: Lab testing often requires simpler conditions than field testing. This research helps ensure that models based on lab data continue to perform reliably in real-world scenarios.

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