Drift-Flux Modeling of Transient Countercurrent Two-phase Flow in Wellbores

H. Shi1, J.A. Holmes2, L.J. Durlofsky1, K. Aziz1

1
Department of Petroleum Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-2220, USA
2
Schlumberger GeoQuest, 11 Foxcombe Court, Wyndyke Furlong, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1DZ, UK

Abstract
Drift-flux modeling techniques are commonly used to represent multiphase flow in pipes and wellbores. These

models, like other multiphase flow models, require a number of empirical parameters. In recent publications we

have described experimental and modeling work on steady-state multiphase flow in pipes, aimed at the

determination of drift-flux parameters for large-diameter inclined wells. This work provided optimized drift-flux

parameters for two-phase water-gas and oil-water flows and a unified model for three-phase oil-water-gas flow for

vertical and inclined pipes. The purpose of this paper is to extend this modeling approach to transient countercurrent

flows, as occur in pressure build-up tests when the well is shut in at the surface. The experiments on which the

steady-state models are based also include transient flow data obtained after shutting in the flow by fast acting

valves at both ends of the test section. We first compare predictions from the existing steady-state drift-flux model

to transient data and show that the model predicts significantly faster separation than is observed in experiments. We

then develop a two-population approach to account for the different separation mechanisms that occur in transient

flows. This model introduces two additional parameters into the drift-flux formulation – the fraction of

bubbles/droplets in each population and a drift velocity multiplier for the small bubbles/droplets. It is shown that the

resulting model is able to predict phase separation quite accurately, for vertical and inclined pipes, for both water-

gas and oil-water flows. Finally, the model is applied to interpret a well test in which transient countercurrent

wellbore flow effects are important. It is demonstrated that … (to be added by Jon).

Keywords: Transient, Drift-flux, Countercurrent, Two-phase, Three-phase, Large diameter, Inclined, Steady state,

Water-gas, Oil-water, Oil-water-gas, Wellbore, Bubble, Shut-in, Phase redistribution, well testing, two-population

model
2 H. SHI, J.A. HOLMES, L.J. DURLOFSKY, K. AZIZ

Introduction In this paper we revisit the two-phase experiments

The drift-flux technique is well-suited for modeling to investigate the ability of the drift-flux formulation

multiphase wellbore flow in reservoir simulators. to model the transient flow that occurs after the test

This is because the calculation of phase velocities is section is closed at both ends by fast-acting valves.

relatively simple and efficient and the equations are During this period, phases separate through

continuous and differentiable, as required by countercurrent flow. This phenomenon is similar to

simulators. However, the drift-flux model includes a the flow that occurs when a well is shut in (as in a

number of empirical parameters, which need to be well test), so the ability to model it could improve

tuned to the particular conditions being modeled. numerical well test interpretation procedures. The

Prior to our recent work, the parameters reported drift-flux formulation is capable of modeling

in the literature and used in commercial simulators countercurrent flow as it describes the slip between

were (typically) determined from experimental data two fluids as a combination of a profile effect and a

in small-diameter pipes (5 cm or less) and might drift velocity. Our previous analysis was for steady-

therefore not be appropriate for large-diameter state cocurrent flow, but by modeling phase

wellbores. In previous publications1,2,3, we described separation we can test the applicability of the drift-

experimental and modeling work in which we flux formulation to countercurrent flow.

determined optimized drift-flux parameters Although steady-state countercurrent flows (for

appropriate for large-diameter vertical and deviated example, flooding phenomena in countercurrent gas-

wells. This was based on steady-state in situ volume liquid annular flow) have been investigated

fraction data for a variety of water-gas, oil-water and previously4,5, compared to steady-state cocurrent

oil-water-gas flows in a 15 cm diameter, 11 m long flow, relatively few studies involving countercurrent

pipe at 8 deviations ranging from vertical to near- flow have been conducted. Transient cocurrent flows

horizontal1. We showed that the optimized have not received very much attention either.

parameters significantly improved in situ volume Therefore, not surprisingly, available data for

fraction predictions for two and three-phase flows2,3 transient countercurrent multiphase flow in large-

compared to predictions based on parameters derived scale systems are essentially nonexistent. Following

from small-diameter experiments. is a review of the literature for steady-state

3 DRIFT-FLUX MODELING OF TRANSIENT MULTIPHASE FLOW IN WELLBORES 3

countercurrent and transient cocurrent flows, with liquid-gas countercurrent flows for stratified and slug

emphasis on large-diameter systems. flow (as occurs in horizontal and near-horizontal

pipes). The pipe diameter was in the range of

Steady-state countercurrent flows. Taitel and 5.7−12.1 cm and the maximum pipe inclination was

Barnea6 proposed models for three typical (bubble, xxx° from horizontal. Ghiaasiaan et al.15 conducted

slug and annular) vertical gas-liquid countercurrent vertical and deviated gas-liquid experiments in a 1.9
flow patterns. An additional flow pattern (semi- cm diameter pipe. The deviations were set to be 0°,
annular) was subsequently reported by Yamaguchi
28-30°, and 60-68° from vertical. In an attempt to
7,8
and Yamazaki from their experiments with vertical
apply the drift-flux model for hold up calculations for
water-air systems in 4 and 8 cm diameter pipes.
slug flow, they adjusted both the profile parameter C0
9
Hasan et al. developed a drift-flux model for
and the drift velocity Vd for different liquid
vertical countercurrent bubble and slug flow. The
viscosities to match their data.
value of the profile parameter C0 (discussed in detail
Zhu and Hill16 and Zavareh et al.17 performed oil-
below) was found to be 2.0 for bubble flow. They
water tests in an 18.4 cm diameter acrylic pipe at
10 11
concluded that the Harmathy and Nicklin
deviations of 0°, 5°, and 15° from upward vertical.
correlations for small bubbles and Talyor bubbles
Ouyang18,19 classified oil-water countercurrent flow
were valid for countercurrent flows. However, these
into five categories and developed models to compute
conclusions were based on experimental data with
the phase in situ volume fractions and pressure drop.
maximum mixture velocities of only 0.5 m/s. Kim et
His model predictions agreed well with the
12
al. also found that their experimental data from a 2
experimental data from Zhu and Hill16.
cm diameter vertical pipe were well fitted with the
Almehaideb et al.20 presented a coupled
11
drift-flux model with Nicklin’s correlation.
wellbore/reservoir model to simulate three-phase oil-
However, we are not aware of any published studies
water-gas countercurrent flow in multiphase injection
10 11
validating the Harmathy and Nicklin correlations
processes. Both a two-fluid model and a simple
for large-diameter, high flow rate liquid-gas systems.
mixture/homogeneous model were implemented for
Inclined countercurrent data are very limited.
wellbore flow. This comprehensive model considered
13,14
Johnston developed a semi-empirical model for
a black-oil system, in which the oil and water phases
4 H. SHI, J.A. HOLMES, L.J. DURLOFSKY, K. AZIZ

are immiscible and gas is soluble in oil. multiphase flows.

In previous studies, when drift-flux models were

Transient cocurrent flows. Asheim and GrØdal21 applied to countercurrent steady-state or transient

used a modified steady-state drift-flux model to flow, specific flow regimes, such as bubble and slug

predict holdup in a transient vertical oil-water flow, were considered. Thus, a comprehensive drift-

system. The pipe used in the experiment was 4.3 cm flux model for such systems has yet to be presented.

in diameter. To investigate the performance of two- Furthermore, the Harmathy10 correlation, which is

phase transient flow models, Lopez et al.22,23 based on the single bubble rise velocity in a stagnant

considered numerical simulations using OLGA liquid, is commonly used to calculate drift velocity.

(based on a two-fluid model), TACITE (based on a In this type of correlation, all the gas bubbles/oil

drift-flux model) and TUFFP (based on a two-fluid droplets are considered to rise at the same velocity. In

model) against both laboratory and field data. They practical cases, however, all flow regimes can exist

concluded that all three models could match the simultaneously in the wellbore, with more than one

transient data from laboratory tests. However, only population of bubbles and droplets. We would expect

OLGA and TACITE were capable of simulating real different drift velocity mechanisms for

transient flows in long, large-diameter pipelines, with bubbles/droplets of different sizes. To apply the drift-

TACITE providing more accurate predictions than flux concept to transient countercurrent flows,

OLGA. therefore, it is useful to consider bubbles/droplets of

As indicated above, models for transient different sizes, as we will demonstrate below.

countercurrent phase separation are useful for the This paper proceeds with a brief description of the

interpretation of well tests (the models of experimental setup and some sample transient data

Almehaideb et al.20 and Hasan and Kabir24 can be for two-phase water-gas and oil-water systems and

applied under limited conditions). However, the three-phase oil-water-gas flows. The drift-flux model

amount of published transient countercurrent data for used in this work is then reviewed. It is shown that

small-diameter, vertical pipes is quite limited. To our predictions of water-gas and oil-water separation

knowledge, there has been no published data for during transient flow are not adequately modeled

large-diameter, inclined pipe, transient countercurrent using the steady-state drift-flux parameters. A two-
5 DRIFT-FLUX MODELING OF TRANSIENT MULTIPHASE FLOW IN WELLBORES 5

population drift-flux model is then proposed and ends with fast-acting valves. These two-valves,

evaluated for two-phase flows. Finally, the which were normally open, were simultaneously

application of the transient model to phase separation closed to trap the fluid instantaneously (the incoming

in a well during a build-up test is discussed. fluids were led to a bypass system to minimize water

hammer). Ten electrical conductivity probes were

Experimental procedure installed along the test section to measure in situ

The detailed experimental work was described in water fraction. The probes were placed perpendicular

Oddie et al.1 Sample data for steady-state two-phase to the pipe axis and positioned at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,

water-gas and oil-water flows, and three-phase oil- 7.75, 9 and 10 m along the test section. These probes

water-gas systems were shown in our previous were one source for determining the steady-state in

modeling work2,3. In this paper we briefly explain the situ volume fraction. This quantity was also

experimental setup and present representative determined through gamma densitometer

transient data, which will be used for the transient measurements and measurement of the final position

flow model. of the interface after the fluids settled to their final

positions. The probes also provided the transient

Experimental setup. The test apparatus used in this flow data during phase separation after shut-in.

investigation is an 11 m long inclinable pipe with a

diameter of 15 cm. Experiments were performed with Transient data. In this study, vertical flows are

kerosene, tap water and nitrogen. The viscosity of emphasized in this study because separation of the

the oil is 1.5 cP at 18°C and the density is 810 kg/m3. phases is generally the slowest in vertical pipes,

Tests were conducted with pipe inclinations of 0° though deviations of 5°, 45°, 70°, 80°, 88° are also

(vertical), 5°, 45°, 70°, 80°, 88°, 90° (horizontal), and considered. The flow rate ranges for the water-gas

92° (downward 2°). Data at 90° and 92° flows were tests are: 2.0 m3/h ≤ Qw ≤ 100.0 m3/h and 2.6 m3/h ≤

strongly impacted by end effects1 and were therefore Qg ≤ 72.2 m3/h. The tests for oil-water flow were

not used for the determination of model parameters. conducted in the range of 2.0 m3/h ≤ Qo ≤ 40.0 m3/h

The test section, shown schematically in Fig. 1, and 2.0 m3/h ≤ Qw ≤ 130.0 m3/h. For oil-water-gas

was of clear acrylic pipe that could be closed at both flow, the data are in the range of 2.0 m3/h ≤ Qo ≤ 40.0
6 H. SHI, J.A. HOLMES, L.J. DURLOFSKY, K. AZIZ

m3/h, 2.0 m3/h ≤ Qw ≤ 40.0 m3/h, and 1.8 m3/h ≤ Qg ≤ register nonzero h/D at the end of the transient. This

38.7 m3/h. nonzero h/D is due to the probe calibration procedure

Three sets of transient data are shown in Figs. 2-4 and provides an estimate of the error associated with

to illustrate the probe response with time for vertical the probe data.

flows of water-gas, oil-water and oil-water-gas, Fig. 3 shows the transient profile of a vertical oil-

respectively. The figures show dimensionless water water test. The water and oil flow rates are almost the

depth (h/D) with h/D = 0 corresponding to the bottom same for this test (Qo =40.2, Qw =40.4), and the flow

of the pipe and h/D = 1 to the top of the pipe. Each rates are relatively high. For this case, oil and water

figure represents the probe responses for a particular were observed to be totally mixed to form a

set of Qo, Qw, Qg. homogeneous phase. The shut-in water volume

Both steady-state pre-shut-in and transient data fraction value is 51%, which confirms a

for a water-gas test are plotted in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 (a) homogeneous flow pattern with the flowing volume

shows steady state data over a ten second interval. fraction equal to the in situ volume fraction. An

The response from each probe varies in time as the interesting phenomenon is apparent in Fig. 3.

probe is subjected to different flow conditions. The Though the pipe is eventually half filled with water

observed flow pattern for this test is elongated (water at the bottom and oil at the top), probes 1–5,

bubble. The flow is statistically steady and most of which are eventually immersed in water, reach their

the oscillations are around an h/D value of 0.4–0.5. final state more quickly than probes 6–10, which are

The shut-in water volume fraction ( α w ) is 49% for finally immersed in oil. This phenomenon occurs due

this case. to the different behaviors of water-in-oil emulsions

Fig.2 (b) shows the electrical probe signals from compared to oil-in-water emulsions, as discussed in

the time of shut-in to a time after the phases are Oddie et al.1

completely settled. The settling time for this case is An oil-water-gas test is displayed in Fig. 4. The

water and oil flow rates are the same for this test as
around 50 seconds. Since αw = 49%, the profiles of
for the oil-water test shown in Fig. 3. The flow
probes 1–5 reach h/D = 1.0 as they are fully
pattern here was elongated bubble/slug. The
immersed in water, while probes 6–10 are totally in
relatively high gas flow rate (26.2 m3/h) has very
the gas phase. Note that signals from probes 6–10
7 DRIFT-FLUX MODELING OF TRANSIENT MULTIPHASE FLOW IN WELLBORES 7

little effect on the overall flow. Compared with the review both the original26 and optimized liquid-gas

oil-water vertical flow case (Fig. 3), the settling time and oil-water models before illustrating the

is almost the same for this three-phase flow case. The performance of the steady-state models for transient

expectation was that the settling time for this three- flows. The emphasis here is on vertical flows, though

phase transient process would be longer due to the deviated flows are also considered.

gas entrainment in the oil-water mixture leading to

smaller droplets. Similar setting times may be Liquid-gas flow. Zuber and Findly25 correlated

observed because of complex emulsion behaviors actual gas velocity Vg and mixture velocity Vm using

that occur for the oil-water system around the phase two parameters, C0 and Vd:

inversion point, which for this case is expected to be V sg

Vg = = C 0V m + Vd (1)
αg
around 50% water (based on an analysis of the probe
where Vsg is the gas superficial velocity (gas flow rate
response). Tight emulsions around the phase

inversion point are more difficult to separate, leading divided by total pipe area) and α g is the gas in situ

to longer settling times. volume fraction. The accuracy of the predicted αg

From the sample data discussed above, we can depends on the use of appropriate values for C0 and

conclude that transient countercurrent flows are Vd.

extremely complicated, especially for oil-water and In the original (Eclipse26) model, C0 generally

oil-water-gas systems. Our goal is to develop a varies from 1.0 to 1.2, so we have

relatively simple model for these systems that is 1.0 ≤ C 0 ≤ 1.2 (2)

consistent with our previous models for steady-state and Vd is computed via:

flow.
(1 − α g C 0 ) C 0 K (α g ) Vc (3)
Vd = ⋅ m(θ )
ρg
α g Co + 1 − α g C0
ρl
Steady-state drift-flux models

The original26 and optimized steady-state drift-flux where K (α g ) = 1.53 C0 when α g ≤ a1 and

models for two-phase water-gas, oil-water and three- K (α g ) = K u ( Dˆ ) when α g ≥ a2 . Parameters a1 and a2

phase oil-water-gas flows have been discussed in

are the two gas volume fractions which define the
2,3
detail in our previous publications . Here, we briefly
transition from the bubble flow regime. Ku ( Dˆ ) is the
8 H. SHI, J.A. HOLMES, L.J. DURLOFSKY, K. AZIZ

critical Kutateladze number, which is a function of Vo = C0′ Vl + Vd′ (6)

the dimensionless pipe diameter D̂ . The dependency where Vo is the in situ oil velocity and Vl is the liquid

K u ( Dˆ ) on D̂ is given in Shi et al.2 Vc is called the mixture velocity. The original value for C0′ is in the

characteristic bubble rise velocity, which was same range as C0 for liquid-gas flows:

determined by Harmathy26, and ρ is the density. 1.0 ≤ C 0′ ≤ 1.2 (7)

The parameter m(θ ) , where θ is the deviation

and Vd′ is calculated by27,
from vertical, is very important for modeling flow in
Vd′ = 1.53Vc′ (1 − α o ) n m ′(θ ) (8)
deviated pipes, as it accounts for the deviation from
where, as before, V c′ is also determined by the
vertical through a multiplier to Vd. In the original
Harmathy17 correlation, except that the gas in the
model,
correlation is replaced by oil.
m(θ ) = m(0)(cos θ ) 0.5 (1 + sinθ ) 2 (4)
In the original oil-water model27, n = 2.0 and
where m(0) = 1.00 .
m ′(0) = 1.0 for vertical flow. The optimized
In the optimized model, based on the large
parameters for oil-water flow are2: C0′ = 1.0 ,
diameter data, the values for both C0 and Vd are
n = 1.0 and m ′(0°) = 1.07 . Unlike for the liquid-gas
significantly different. The first major difference is

the profile parameter, for which we obtain C 0 = 1.0 . flow, the optimized value of m′(0) is not much

This lower value of C0 directly leads to a much different from its original value of 1.0. However, the

higher Vd value. For example, the optimized value of the exponent n is reduced from 2.0 to 1.0.

deviation effect is Compared with the original model, this makes Vd′

m(θ ) = m(0)(cosθ ) 0.21 (1 + sinθ ) 0.95 (5) decrease linearly and much more rapidly with

and for vertical liquid-gas flow, m(0) = 1.85 . Thus increaseing α o .

the optimized Vd value is 1.85 times higher than the During transient flow after shut-in, there is no net

original Vd for vertical liquid-gas flow. flow, so Vm = 0. Hence there is no effect of the profile

parameters C0 or C0′ and the gas or oil velocity

Oil-water flow. The general form of the drift-flux depends only on the drift velocity. Therefore, the key

model applied to oil-water flows is: to modeling the transient process is to model the drift
9 DRIFT-FLUX MODELING OF TRANSIENT MULTIPHASE FLOW IN WELLBORES 9

velocity accurately. reasonably well, but the predicted speed of the water

interface is higher that that observed. The optimized

Comparison with experimental observations. model predicts even higher velocities for both the gas

Eclipse26 applies the same drift-flux models (the and water interfaces. This is perhaps surprising, since

original steady-state models) for both steady-state the optimized model is more accurate for steady-state

and transient multiphase flow. This is based on the predictions.

assumption that transient flow can be represented by

a sequence of steady-state flows. One of the Oil-water vertical flow. A sample comparison for

objectives of our work is to test the validity of this model predictions with experimental data for vertical

assumption. oil-water flow is illustrated in Fig. 6. Again the

We proceed by identifying two interfaces for two- volume of the two fluids in the system is about the

phase flows. The gas interface is the interface same. As in the previous case, the speed of the water

between the pure gas and the mixture of gas and interface with the original model is much higher than

liquid. Similarly, the liquid interface is defined as the that observed in the experiment. Furthermore, the

interface between the pure liquid and the mixture of optimized model yields even higher velocities for

gas and liquid. Therefore, during the transient both oil and water interfaces.

process, the gas interface moves down and the liquid An explanation for the disagreement between

interface moves up. The two interfaces meet when transient experiments and steady-state model

the phases are completely separated. predictions can be offered by considering the drift-

flux model parameters. For liquid-gas systems,

Liquid-gas vertical flow. Fig. 5 shows a sample C 0 = 1.0 for the optimized model, i.e., there is no

comparison of experimental data with predictions for profile slip. Hence m(θ ) , the Vd multiplier, must
vertical water-gas flow. Both the original and
increase accordingly, and for vertical flow, it is
optimized steady-state models are considered. In this
almost twice the value as in the original model.
case the volume of gas and water in the system is
Therefore the optimized model predicts much faster
25
almost the same. We see that the original model
settling. For oil-water flow, the major reason for the
predicts the speed of the gas interface height
prediction of faster separation by the optimized
10 H. SHI, J.A. HOLMES, L.J. DURLOFSKY, K. AZIZ

model compared to the original model is the velocity used in both steady-state models (original

reduction in the exponent n from 2.0 to 1.0. and optimized) does distinguish between large and

From these comparisons of experimental data small bubbles/droplets. Fig. 7 (a) shows that a linear

with model predictions, we see that our steady-state interpolation is used to connect the bubble flow

models do not fully capture the mechanics of regime and liquid flooding curve2 over the range

countercurrent transient flows. These findings are a1 < α g < a2 . Since bubble size increases with α g at

consistent with earlier work by King et al.28, who

this range, the small bubbles will have a drift velocity
tried to capture the characteristics of transient slug
equal to the value at the bottom of the ramp, and the
flows. They conducted water-air tests in a 36 m long,
large bubbles will have a drift velocity equal to the
7.6 cm diameter stainless steel horizontal pipe. The
value at the top of the ramp.
experimental results demonstrated that generally
The values of a1 and a2 are optimization
transient slug flow cannot be modeled by the quasi-
parameters in our steady-state modeling procedure.
steady-state approach. In order to overcome the
The original values of a1 and a2 were 0.2 and 0.4
limitations of the sequence of steady-states approach,
respectively, based on the work of Zuber and
we will now consider a two-population model.
Findlay25. However, our steady-state optimization

results provide a1 = 0.06 and a2 = 0.21. The steady-

Two-population model
state flow experiments confirmed that elongated
Our water-gas transient experiments show that some
bubble flow occurred at α g ≈ 0.12 . This implies that
small gas bubbles are entrained in the water and
in most of our steady-state experiments the gas is in
move with the water phase at the beginning of the
large bubbles.
settling process. Similarly, for oil-water flow, some
However, when the pipe is shut-in, the quickly
small water droplets are entrained in oil and move up
closing valves cause disturbances which break the
with the oil phase at the beginning of the separation.
large bubbles into small bubbles. Thus the effective
These small bubbles/droplets separate from the phase
values of a1 and a2 should increase, and we could
in which they are entrained later in the separation
assume that all of the bubbles are small during the
process.
transient process. The solid line in Fig. 7 (b) displays
As illustrated in Fig. 7, the model of drift-flux
the situation when there are only small bubbles in the
11 DRIFT-FLUX MODELING OF TRANSIENT MULTIPHASE FLOW IN WELLBORES 11

system. In fact, in reality there will exist a bubble separation ( C 0 S = 1.0 ) due to the large bubble

distribution of bubble sizes, with the smaller bubbles separation with the mixture, a general drift-flux

having even lower drift velocity4. The dashed line in model is obtained (see Appendix A for details):

Fig. 7 (b) illustrates this. (1 − α g )(1 − α gL C 0 L )

α g V g = [1 − ]V m
1 − α gL (10)
From Fig. 7, we see that by shifting a1 and a2, we (1 − α g )α gL
+ V dL + α gS V dS
1 − α gL
can potentially represent both steady-state and

transient flows using one drift-flux model. The two- Here C 0 L is the profile parameter for the separation

population model discussed below is a unified model of large bubbles from the mixture of small bubbles

for steady-state and transient flows. This unification and liquid. V dL and V dS define the drift velocity of

is especially important for reservoir simulation, in large bubbles and small bubbles respectively. This
which a smooth transition between steady-state and equation reduces to the original form when there is
transient flows is required. only one kind of bubble and there is no profile slip

for small bubbles.

Model development. Based on our observations of

steady-state and transient flows we can conclude that
in the separation of water and gas, two processes
occur. First, large gas bubbles separate from the gas-
water mixture, and next the entrained small gas
bubbles separate from the water. This can be modeled
by dividing the total gas fraction into two parts,
corresponding to large bubbles and small bubbles:
α g = α gL + α gS (9)
Two-population model for oil-water systems. The
two-population oil-water model is similar to the
liquid-gas model, but the mechanisms involved in
oil-water separation are different. Specifically, large
water droplets move down while the small water
droplets entrained in the oil move up with the oil
phase. This is also consistent with the observation by
Zhu and Hill16 and Zavareh et al.17. In addition, the

where subscript L represents the large bubbles and S entrained small water droplets further separate from

the small bubbles. the oil.

We can apply the drift-flux model, Eq. (1), for We divide the water droplets into two

large and small bubbles separately. With the populations:

assumption that there is no profile slip for small α w = α wL + α wS (11)

12 H. SHI, J.A. HOLMES, L.J. DURLOFSKY, K. AZIZ

and apply the oil-water drift-flux model, Eq. (8), to These are the fraction f of large bubbles/droplets to

both settling processes with the assumption that the the total bubbles/droplets in the system and the drift

profile slip of small droplets is 1.0 due to the velocity multiplier mS for small bubbles/droplets

disruption of large water droplets separating with the (where VdS = mSVdL( α g = 0 )). These parameters

mixture. The resulting two-population model for oil- depend, in general, on the shut-in holdup, though in
water separation is (see Appendix A): many cases constant values suffice. Using the two-
α wV w = V m − (1 − α wL − α wS )( C 0′ LV m + V dL′ + V dS′ ) (12)
population model with these two parameters, we can

where C 0′ L is the profile parameter for the separation achieve close matches to the transient experimental

of large water droplets from the mixture of oil and data. In the following figures, the model results are

water. V dL′ and V dS′ represent the drift velocity of the shown in terms of interface height. Predictions by the

optimized steady-state parameters are also shown.

oil when separating with large and small water

droplets respectively.
Vertical water-gas flow. For all water-gas cases, a
We note that the two-population model described
single set of optimized parameter values
here represents a considerable simplification of the

true transient process, in which a continuous (independent of αg and αw) was determined:

distribution of bubble or drop sizes presumably f = α gL α g = 0.3 and m S = 0.3 . These values indicate

exists. Nonetheless, as shown below, this model does that most (70%) of the gas bubbles in the water-gas

appear to capture the key transient effects observed in systems are small bubbles.

the experiments. This is likely because the “two The water-gas results are illustrated in Figs. 7-9.

populations” of bubble/drop sizes (and corresponding Each figure corresponds to a particular value of

adjustable parameters) represent, in some sense, an α g (as indicated in the figure). The first example is

appropriate sampling of the true continuous for a relatively low α g ( α g = 0.18 ). We see from Fig.
distribution.
8 that the optimized steady-state model predicts very

fast separation, while the new two-population model

Results and discussion
matches the data much more closely. Fig. 9 shows
To implement the two-population model, we
similar results for a gas volume fraction of 0.32.
introduce two additional adjustable parameters.
13 DRIFT-FLUX MODELING OF TRANSIENT MULTIPHASE FLOW IN WELLBORES 13

The amount of water and gas in the system is ( m S′ = 0.03 ). We attribute this to our expectation

about the same for the last example displayed in Fig.
10. The results from the steady-state models for this
case were presented in Fig. 4. Here the movement of
the gas interface is predicted by the two-population
model to be too slow at the beginning of the
separation but overall the results for both the gas and
water interfaces are in reasonable agreement with the
experiments.
that the phase inversion point is around 50% for this
oil-water system (the fine oil and water droplets
separate very slowly around the phase inversion
point). Table 1 gives m S′ values for seven oil-water
tests. It clearly demonstrate that m S′ reaches a
minimum at around α w = 50%. Accurate results are
also obtained in the case of high oil fraction, as
shown in Fig. 13.

Vertical oil-water flow. The tuning of the two

Deviated two-phase flows. We now briefly consider
parameters f ′ and m S′ is more complicated for the
the applicability of the two-population model to
oil-water system than for the water-gas system. The
deviated wells. For these cases, we use the m(θ )
optimized value for f ′ is found to be 0.2 for all of the
determined in the steady-state optimizations (Eq. (8)
oil-water transient data. However, in contrast to the
for liquid-gas systems).
water-gas system, a single value for m′S could not be
Results for water-gas and oil-water systems are
obtained. This is a result of the formation of oil-water
shown in Figs. 14 and 15 respectively. For liquid-gas
1
emulsions. Furthermore, small droplet behavior can
flow, we present an example at a 5° deviation. We
29
be very different from small bubble behavior .
select this deviation because the settling process for
The oil-water model results are shown in Figs. 10-
our water-gas tests is very fast at the higher
12. We see that for low oil fractions the new model
deviations (recall that there is no data available
represents the data very well, as shown in Fig. 11.
between 5° and 45°). For the oil-water system,
The data in Fig. 12 were also shown in Fig. 5 along
however, the settling time for a deviation of 45° (as
with steady-state model predictions. Again the match
considered in Fig. 15) is long enough to illustrate the
between the experimental data and model predictions
results. As displayed in Figs. 14 and 15, transient
is very close. In this case, the m S′ value is very small
data for both deviated water-gas and oil-water
14 H. SHI, J.A. HOLMES, L.J. DURLOFSKY, K. AZIZ

systems are represented very well by the two- • A new unified two-population drift-flux model

population models. We again emphasize that the was developed for transient two-phase flows.

models in this case are consistent with the steady- The model reduces to the steady-state model in

state models, as m(θ ) is the same in both cases. appropriate limits. The model predictions match

transient experimental data reasonably well for

Application to well testing both vertical and deviated water-gas and oil-

(Jon’s contribution) water flows.

* Why phase redistribution can be important • Application to well testing (Jon’s contribution)

* Hallmarks of phase redistribution

* Simulation results A concern with this model (or many wellbore flow

* What tweaks to d-f are necessary to match the models) is that the model parameters are based on

observations transient data collected in a relatively short pipe (11

m). In addition, the disturbances caused by the fast-

Conclusions and recommendations acting valves may not represent actual conditions in

From this study, we can draw the following the field. It is therefore possible that the model

conclusions: parameters may require tuning for specific

• The drift-flux model is well suited for steady- applications. This can only be gauged by testing the

state concurrent flows as well as transient model against other experimental data sets, which are

countercurrent flows in wellbores and pipes. not currently available. Even though the model

• Experimental data from large-diameter pipes parameters may require tuning for a particular

suggest that wellbore transient flow cannot be application, it is still reasonable to expect that the

represented by a series of steady-state flows. two-population model presented here (or a very

• Experimental observations show that gas exists similar model) can be used to represent transient

as large and small bubbles during the settling countercurrent wellbore flows.

process for water-gas flow. In oil-water

separation, water exists as large and small water Acknowledgments

droplets. The support from Schlumberger and the other

15 DRIFT-FLUX MODELING OF TRANSIENT MULTIPHASE FLOW IN WELLBORES 15

industrial affiliates of the Stanford Project on the m′ = drift velocity multiplier for oil-water flows

Productivity and Injectivity of Advanced Wells

mS = drift velocity multiplier for small buubbles
(SUPRI-HW) is greatly appreciated.
m S′ = drift velocity multiplier for small water droplets

n = drift velocity exponent for oil-water flows

Nomenclature
Q = volumetric flow rate
a1 = drift velocity ramping parameter
V = velocity
a2 = drift velocity ramping parameter
Vc = characteristic velocity for liquid-gas flows
a3 = gas effect parameter
Vc′ = characteristic velocity for oil-water flows
A = profile parameter term, value in bubble/slug

regimes for liquid-gas flows Vd = gas-liquid drift velocity

Vd′ = oil-water drift velocity

A′ = profile parameter term for oil-water flows

B = profile parameter term, gas volume fraction Vm = mixture velocity

at which C0 begins to reduce Vs = superficial velocity

B1 = profile parameter term, oil volume fraction

at which C′0 begins to reduce Subscripts

B2 = profile parameter term, oil volume fraction g = gas

at which C0′ falls to 1.0 l = liquid

L = large bubbles/droplets
Co = profile parameter
m = mixture
D = pipe internal diameter
o = oil
f = fraction of large bubbles/droplets
S = small bubbles/droplets

g = gravitational acceleration w = water

Ku = Kutateladze number

Greek
L = test section length
α = in situ fraction or holdup
m = drift velocity multiplier for water-gas flows
σ = interfacial tension/surface tension
16 H. SHI, J.A. HOLMES, L.J. DURLOFSKY, K. AZIZ

ρ = density Water Flows in Vertical Tubes”, J. Nucl. Sci.

Technol., (1984) 21, 321-327.

θ = deviation from vertical
9. Hasan, A.R., Kabir, C.S., and Srinivasan, S.:

“Countercurrent Bubble and Slug Flows in a Vertical

References
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1. Oddie, G., Shi, H., Durlofsky, L.J., Aziz, K., Pfeffer,
10. Harmathy, T.Z.: “Velocity of Large Drops and
B. and Holmes, J.A.: “Experimental Study of Two and
Bubbles in Media of Restricted Extent”, AIChEJ
Three Phase Flows in Large Diameter Inclined Pipes”,
(1960) 6, 281-290.
Int. J. Multiphase Flow, (2003) 29, 527-558.
11. Nicklin, D. J., Wilkes, J. O. and Davidson, J.F.: “Two-
2. Shi, H., Holmes, J.A., Durlofsky, L.J., Aziz, K., Diaz,
Phase Film Flow in Vertical Tubes”, Trans. Inst.
L.R., Alkaya, B. and Oddie, G.: “Drift-Flux Modeling
Chem, (1962) 40, 61-68.
of Two-Phase Flow in Wellbores”, SPE Journal,
12. Kim, H.Y., Koyama, S. and Mastumoto, W.: “Flow
(March, 2005) 10, 24-33.
Pattern and Flow Characteristics for Counter-current
3. Shi, H., Holmes, J.A., Diaz, L.R., Durlofsky, L.J.,
Two-phase Flow in a Vertical Round Tube with Wire-
Aziz, K.: “Drift-Flux Parameters for Three-Phase
coil Inserts”, Int. J. Multiphase Flow, (2001) 27, 2063-
Steady-State Flow in Wellbores”, SPE Journal, (June,
2081.
2005) 10, 130-137.
13. Johnston, A.J.: “An Investigation into Stratified Co-
4. Wallis, G. B.: One Dimension Two-Phase Flow,
and Countercurrent Two-Phase Flow”, SPEPE (Aug.
McGraw-Hill, New York, 1969.
1988) 393-399.
5. Zabaras, G.J. and Dukler, A.E.: “Countercurrent Gas-
14. Johnston, A.J.: “Controlling Effects in Countercurrent
liquid Annular Flow Including the Flooding Modeling
Two-Phase Flow”, SPEPE (Aug. 1988) 400-404.
State”, AIChEJ (1988) 34, 389-396.
15. Ghiaasiaan, S.M., Wu, X., Sadowski, D.L., and Abdel-
6. Taitel, Y., and Barnea, D.: “Counter Current Gas-
Khalik, S.I.: “Hydrodynamic Characteristics of
Liquid Vertical Flow, Model for Flow Pattern and
Counter-Current Two-Phase Flow in Vertical and
Pressure Drop”, Int. J. Multiphase Flow, (1983) 9,
Inclined Channels: Effect of Liquid Properties”, Int. J.
637-647.
Multiphase Flow, (1997) 23, 1063-1083.
7. Yamaguchi, K. and Yamazaki, Y.: “Characteristics of
16. Zhu, D., and Hill, A.D.: “The Effect of Flow from
Coutercurrent Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flow in Vertical
Perforations on Two-Phase Flow: Implications for
Tubes”, J. Nucl. Sci. Technol., (1982) 19, 985-996.
Production Logging”, SPE paper 18207 presented at
8. Yamaguchi, K. and Yamazaki, Y.: “Combined Flow
the 1988 SPE Annual Technical Conference and
Pattern Map for Cocurrent and Countercurrent Air-
17 DRIFT-FLUX MODELING OF TRANSIENT MULTIPHASE FLOW IN WELLBORES 17

Exhibition, Houston, TX, 2-5 October. presented at the 1998 International Petroleum

17. Zavareh, F., Hill, A.D. and Podio, A.: “Flow Regimes Conference and Exhibition of Mexico, Villahermosa,

in Vertical and Inclined Oil/Water Flow in Pipes”, 3-5 March.

SPE paper 18215 presented at the 1988 SPE Annual 24. Hasan, A.R. and Kabir, C.S.: “Modeling Changing

Technical Conference and Exhibition, Houston, TX, Storage During a Shut-in Test”, SPEFE (1994) 9, 279-

2-5 October. 284.

18. Ouyang, L.B.: “Mechanistic and Simplied Models for 25. Zuber, N. and Findlay, J.A.: “Average Volumetric

Countercurrent Flow in Deviated and Multilateral Concentration in Two-Phase Flow Systems”, J. Heat

Wells”, SPE paper 77501 presented at the 2002 SPE Transfer, Trans. ASME, (1965) 87, 453-468.

Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, San 26. Schlumberger GeoQuest, ECLIPSE Technical

Antonio, TX, 29 Sept–2 Oct. Description Manual, 2001.

19. Ouyang, L.B.: “Mechanistic and Simplied Models for 27. Hasan, A.R. and Kabir, C.S.: “A Simplified Model for

countercurrent flow in deviated and multilateral Oil/Water Flow in Vertical and Deviated Wellbores”,

wells”, Petroleu Sci.& Tech, (2003) 21, 2001-2020. SPE Prod. & Fac. (February 1999) 56-62.

20. Almehaideb, R.A., Aziz, K. and Pedrosa, O.A.: “A 28. King, M.J.S., Hale, C.P., Lawrence, C.J., and Hewitt,

Reservoir/Wellbore Model for Multiphase Injection G.F.: “Characteristics of Flow Rate Transients in Slug

and Pressure Transient Analysis”, SPE paper 17941 Flow”, Int. J. Multiphase Flow, (1997) 24, 825-854.

presented at the 1989 SPE Middle East Oil Technical 29. Pal, R.: “Pipeline Flow of Unstable and Surfactant-

Conference and Exhibition, Manama, Bahrain, 11-14 Stabilized Emulsions”, AIChE J.(1993) 39, 1754-

March. 1764.

21. Asheim, H. and Grodam, E.: “Holdup Propagation

Predicted by Steady-State Drift Flux Models”, Int. J.

Multiphase Flow, (1998) 24, 757-774.

22. Lopez, D., Dhulesia, H., Leporcher, E. and Duchet-

Suchaux, P.: “Performances of Transient Two-Phase

Flow Models”, SPE paper 38813 presented at the 1997

SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition,

San Anitonio, TX, 5-8 October.

23. Lopez, D. and Duchet-Suchaux, P.: “Performances of

Transient Two-Phase Flow Models”, SPE paper 39858

18 H. SHI, J.A. HOLMES, L.J. DURLOFSKY, K. AZIZ

inlet electrical probes temperature outlet

valve valve
differential gamma
pressure densitometer pressure

Fig. 1: Schematic of the test section of the flow loop

19 DRIFT-FLUX MODELING OF TRANSIENT MULTIPHASE FLOW IN WELLBORES 19

(a)

(b)

Fig. 2. Water-gas data for θ=0°, Qw= 40.4 m /h, Qg= 58.0 m /h
3 3

(αw=52%).
20 H. SHI, J.A. HOLMES, L.J. DURLOFSKY, K. AZIZ

Fig. 3. Oil-water data for θ=0°, Qo=40.2 m /h, Qw=40.4

3

m /h (αw =51%).
3
21 DRIFT-FLUX MODELING OF TRANSIENT MULTIPHASE FLOW IN WELLBORES 21

Fig. 4. Oil-water-gas data for θ=0°, Qo=40.2 m /h,

3

Qw=40.4 m /h, Qg=26.2 m /h (αw =44%, αo=42%).

3 3
22 H. SHI, J.A. HOLMES, L.J. DURLOFSKY, K. AZIZ

11
10 Experiment_gas
9
Interface Height (m)

8 Original_gas
7
Optimized_gas
6
5
Experiment_water
4
3 Original_water
2
1 Optimized_water
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Time (s)

Fig. 5. Water-gas interface height for θ=0°, Qw=2.0 m /h,

3

Qg=60.2 m /h (αw =49%).

3
23 DRIFT-FLUX MODELING OF TRANSIENT MULTIPHASE FLOW IN WELLBORES 23

11
10 Experiment_oil
9
Interface height (m)

8 Original_oil
7
Optimized_oil
6
5 Experiment_water
4
3 Original_water
2
Optimized_water
1
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
Time (s)

Fig. 6. Oil-water interface height for θ=0°, Qw=40.4 m /h,

3

Qo=40.2 m /h (αw =51%).

3
 24 H. SHI, J.A. HOLMES, L.J. DURLOFSKY, K. AZIZ

0.7
large bubbles
0.6

0.5
small
0.4
bubbles
Vd

0.3

0.2

0.1
a a
0.0
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
αg

(a) Original drift velocity for liquid-gas system

0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4
Vd

small bubbles
0.3

0.2
smaller bubbles
0.1
a1 a2
0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
αg

(b) Small bubble drift velocity for liquid-gas system

Fig. 7. Drift velocity mechanism in two-population for

liquid-gas system
25 DRIFT-FLUX MODELING OF TRANSIENT MULTIPHASE FLOW IN WELLBORES 25

11
10
Interface Height (m)

9
Experiment_gas
8
7 Optimized_gas_ss
6
Optimized_gas_t
5
4 Experiment_water
3
Optimized_water_ss
2
1 Optimized_water_t
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Time (s)

Fig. 8. Water-gas interface height for θ=0°, Qw=2.0 m /h,

3

Qg=11.4 m /h (αw =82%).

3
26 H. SHI, J.A. HOLMES, L.J. DURLOFSKY, K. AZIZ

11
10 Experiment_gas
9
Interface Height (m)

8 Optimized_gas_ss
7
Optimized_gas_t
6
5
Experiment_water
4
3 Optimized_water_ss
2
1 Optimized_water_t
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Time (s)

Fig. 9. Water-gas interface height for θ=0°, Qw=2.0 m /h,

3

Qg=28.6 m /h (αw =68%).

3
27 DRIFT-FLUX MODELING OF TRANSIENT MULTIPHASE FLOW IN WELLBORES 27

11
10 Experiment_gas
9
Interface Height (m)

8 Optimized_gas_ss
7
Optimized_gas_t
6
5
Experiment_water
4
3 Optimized_water_ss
2
1 Optimized_water_t
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Time (s)

Fig. 10. Water-gas interface height for θ=0°, Qw=2.0

m /h, Qg=60.2 m /h (αw =49%).
3 3
28 H. SHI, J.A. HOLMES, L.J. DURLOFSKY, K. AZIZ

11
10 Experiment_oil
9
Interface Height (m)

8 Optimized_oil_ss
7
Optimized_oil_t
6
5 Experiment_water
4
3 Optimized_water_ss
2
Optimized_water_t
1
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
Time (s)

Fig. 11. Oil-water interface height for θ=0°, Qw=100.0 m /h,

3

Qo=40.2 m /h (αw =72%).

3
29 DRIFT-FLUX MODELING OF TRANSIENT MULTIPHASE FLOW IN WELLBORES 29

11
10 Experiment_oil
9
Interface Height (m)

8 Optimized_oil-ss
7
Optimized_oil-t
6
5
Experiment_water
4
3 Optimized_water_ss
2
1 Optimized_water_t
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
Time (s)

Fig. 12. Oil-water interface height for θ=0°, Qw=40.4

m /h, Qo=40.2 m /h (αw =51%).
3 3
30 H. SHI, J.A. HOLMES, L.J. DURLOFSKY, K. AZIZ

11
10 Experiment_oil
9
Interface Height (m)

8 Optimized_oil-ss
7
Optimized_oil_t
6
5
Experiment_water
4
3 Optimized_water_ss
2
1 Optimized_water_t
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
Time (s)

Fig. 13. Oil-water interface height for θ=0°, Qw=2.0 m /h,

3

Qo=10.0 m /h (αw =27%).

3
31 DRIFT-FLUX MODELING OF TRANSIENT MULTIPHASE FLOW IN WELLBORES 31

11
10 Experiment_gas
Interface Height (m)

9
8 Optimized_gas_ss
7
Optimized_gas_t
6
5 Experiment_water
4
3 Optimized_water_ss
2
1 Optimized_water_t
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Time (s)

Fig. 14. Water-gas interface height for θ=5°, Qw=10.1 m /h,

3

Qg=58.8 m /h (αw =52%).

3
32 H. SHI, J.A. HOLMES, L.J. DURLOFSKY, K. AZIZ

Fig. 15. Oil-water interface height for θ=45°, Qw=100.0

m /h, Qo=40.2 m /h (αw =72%).
3 3
33 DRIFT-FLUX MODELING OF TRANSIENT MULTIPHASE FLOW IN WELLBORES 33

TABLE 1—SUMMARY OF PARAMETER m ′S

FOR OIL-WATER SYSTEMS

αw 0.27 0.51 0.60 0.72 0.82 0.85 0.93

m ′S 0.05 0.03 0.07 0.10 0.50 0.80 0.95

34 H. SHI, J.A. HOLMES, L.J. DURLOFSKY, K. AZIZ

Appendix A α gS V gS = α gS C 0 S V mS + α gS V dS (A-5)

Derivation of two-population drift-flux Assuming that there is no profile slip for small
models
bubbles since the profiles are disrupted by large

Liquid-gas flow. Because of small gas bubbles that bubbles, C 0 S = 1.0 , Eqn (A-5) becomes:

are entrained in the water phase, while the overall, V gS = V mS + V dS (A-6)

gas is rising a mixture of water-gas is sinking.
The mixture velocity for small bubbles and liquid
This system could be model with two populations
can be written as:
of bubbles: large bubbles with volume fraction of
(1 − α gL )V mS = α g S V gS + (1 − α g )Vl (A-7)
α gL , and small bubbles with volume fraction of α gS .
where Vl is the liquid velocity. We can rearrange the
α g = α gL + α gS (A-1)
above expression for Vl:
The fraction of α gL and α gS depends on the relative 1 − α gL α gS
Vl = V mS − V gS (A-8)
1−α g 1−α g
densities of large and small bubbles.
and combining Eqn (A-4), (A-6) and (A-8), to obtain:
Since large bubbles separate from the mixture of
1 − α gL C 0 L α gL α gS
liquid and entrained small bubbles, we first apply the Vl = Vm − V dL − V gS (A-9)
1 − α gL 1 − α gL 1−α g

drift-flux model to large bubbles:

For the liquid-gas system we:
V gL = C 0 LV m + V dL (A-2)
V m = α g V g + (1 − α g )V l (A-10)
The total mixture velocity is:
where Vg is the average gas velocity of both large
V m = α gLV gL + (1 − α gL )V mS (A-3)
bubbles and small bubbles . By combining Eqn (9)
where VmS is the mixture velocity of the small and (10), we can obtain the general two-population
bubbles and liquid. From Eqn (A-2) and (A-3), we model for liquid-gas flow:
obtain, (1 − α g )(1 − α gL C 0 L )
α g V g = [1 − ]V m
1 − α gL (A-11)
1 − α gL C 0 L α gL
V mS = Vm − V dL (A-4) (1 − α g )α gL
1 − α gL 1 − α gL + V dL + α gS V dS
1 − α gL

In this small bubble and liquid mixture, the small

bubbles travel with a velocity VgS, which can also be Oil-water flow. Our experiments show that water
computed by drift-flux model: entrained in the oil phase, and the water-in-oil
35 DRIFT-FLUX MODELING OF TRANSIENT MULTIPHASE FLOW IN WELLBORES 35

dispersions/emulsions separated much slower than where Vw is the average water velocity of both large

pure phases. Therefore, we can assume that in the water droplets and small water droplets .

overall system mixture of oil and small water Combining Eqn (A-12), (A-13), (A-14) and (A-

droplets rises while large water droplets sink. 15), and assuming that the profile slip for the oil and

Similarly to the treatment of the liquid-gas small water droplets system is disrupted by large

system, let there be two populations of water water droplets ( C 0′ S = 1.0 ) we obtain the following

droplets: large water droplets with volume fraction of two-population model for oil-water flow:

α wL , and small dropllets with volume fraction of α wV w = V m − (1 − α wL − α wS )( C 0′ LV m + V dL + V dS )

(A-16)
α wS .

α w = α wL + α wS (A-12)

The fractions α wL and α wS depends on the relative

densities fluid properties and flowing conditions.

Since large water droplets separate from a mixture

of oil and entrained small water droplets, we first

apply the drift-flux model to the system of the rising

oil-water mixture and sinking large water droplets:

Vom = C 0′ LV m + V dom (A-13)

where Vom is the in situ velocity of the mixture of oil

and the small droplets, and Vdom is the drift velocity

of the mixture.

In the rising mixture, the velocity of pure oil can

be determined from:

Vo = C 0′ S Vom + V do (A-14)

For an oil-water system, we have the following

relationship:

V m = α wV w + (1 − α w )Vo (A-15)