Model for terrain-induced slug flow for high viscous liquids

Abstract

This paper presents the development and results of a simplified multiphase model for terrain-induced slugging analysis considering the viscosity effect of the liquid phase in the conservation equations. The phenomenon has been successfully modelled with numerical models (Fabre et al. 1990, Sarica et al 1991) that neglect the liquid viscosity effect. The objective of the present study is to clarify its importance in the numerical prediction of the characteristics of severe slugging. The results of the model where compared with experimental data reported in the literature showing a maximum percentage difference of 6% which represents a 7% improvement with respect to the prediction of existing models. The liquid viscosity has an effect on the duration of the severe slugging cycle. The cycle will reduce while the viscosity increases. Additionally, the effect of the riser inclination angle is analyzed showing a mitigation of the severe slugging phenomenon while decreasing the angle.