Use of FACE Flow Loop Data for Validation and Improvement of Flow Simulations

Abstract

One of the main objectives of the FACE center is to stimulate engineering innovation based on research. Here, we demonstrate the use of FACE research results to validate and improve a commercial flow simulator. The simulator forms the basis for design and operation decisions throughout the petroleum industry, providing a fast track for engineering innovation based on FACE research results. Generally, the simulation results are in good agreement with the measured data for two- and three-phase flow combinations of gas, viscous oil, and water in pipes. The potential for using the data and other FACE products/deliveries for further model validation and improvements is discussed.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Dispersions
• emulsions
• FACE
• multiphase pipe flow
• viscous oil

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to thank Hatef Khaledi from SPTC/Schlumberger, formerly from Sintef/NTNU, for producing the slug statistics and providing us with detailed information on the experiments described in Khaledi et al.^[3] Jan Nossen, IFE, for supplemental information about experiments and simulations done in the FACE collaboration, and Statoil for making the IFE Well Flow Loop gas–oil–water flow data report available for the FACE partners.