Validation of a Simplified Transient Multiphase Flow Model for Any Pipe Inclination With Gulf of Mexico Field Data

Abstract This paper presents a simplified model for transient two-phase flow in pipes of any inclinations, for slow transients. Such simplified model facilitates its use for real-time monitoring and machine leaning implementations. An improved correlation for the drift flux parameters is adopted in the model, which enables the utilization of the model for simulating transient flow scenarios for any pipe inclination and extends its applicability to a wider range of conditions. From the formulation, an equation has also been proposed to quantitatively define the application of the concept of slow transient. This equation indicates if a case of interest can be classified as a slow transient, which consequently implies that the use of the proposed model would likely provide accurate results. The model has been validated with experimental and field data, and also compared to the state-of-the-art commercial simulator for transient two-phase flow in pipes. The results showed an agreement within the range of ±30% for the holdup predictions for 65% of the scenarios, and an agreement within the range of ±30% for the pressure predictions for 82% of the scenarios considered in the validation data set. The model performance evaluation with data from a well in the GOM showed a maximum error of 30% in terms of predicted bottomhole pressure and an average error of 9% for the simulation of two years of transient flows.