TY - JOUR
T1 - 3D numerical and experimental modelling of multiphase flow through an annular geometry applied for cuttings transport
AU - Ferroudji, Hicham
AU - Rahman, Mohammad Azizur
AU - Hadjadj, Ahmed
AU - Ofei, Titus Ntow
AU - Khaled, Mohamed Shafik
AU - Rushd, Sayeed
AU - Gajbhiye, Rahul Narayanrao
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 Elsevier Ltd
PY - 2022/6
Y1 - 2022/6
N2 - Accurate estimation of volume fraction and pressure gradient is considered indicating parameters of efficient cuttings transportation. It is vital, in this regard, to consider all parameters that can affect cuttings volume fraction and pressure drop during enrollment of the drilling process. The analysis was conducted based on the turbulent flow of a power-law fluid through an annular domain by employing the Finite Volume Method. In addition, dimensional relationships were developed with the Buckingham-π theorem. Before carrying out simulations, the numerical schemes were validated using actual measurements made with the flow loop system available in Texas A&M University at Qatar. The simulation results demonstrated the followings: (i) using a power-law type drilling fluid with a shear-thinning character would reduce energy consumption for an inclination greater than 45°; (ii) inclination angles from 45° to 60° would be least desirable for an effective cuttings transportation with a turbulent Ostwald-de Waele fluid.
AB - Accurate estimation of volume fraction and pressure gradient is considered indicating parameters of efficient cuttings transportation. It is vital, in this regard, to consider all parameters that can affect cuttings volume fraction and pressure drop during enrollment of the drilling process. The analysis was conducted based on the turbulent flow of a power-law fluid through an annular domain by employing the Finite Volume Method. In addition, dimensional relationships were developed with the Buckingham-π theorem. Before carrying out simulations, the numerical schemes were validated using actual measurements made with the flow loop system available in Texas A&M University at Qatar. The simulation results demonstrated the followings: (i) using a power-law type drilling fluid with a shear-thinning character would reduce energy consumption for an inclination greater than 45°; (ii) inclination angles from 45° to 60° would be least desirable for an effective cuttings transportation with a turbulent Ostwald-de Waele fluid.
KW - computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
KW - cuttings volume fraction
KW - flowloop
KW - prediction correlations
KW - pressure gradient
KW - turbulent flow regime
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85126896595&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2022.104044
DO - 10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2022.104044
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85126896595
SN - 0301-9322
VL - 151
JO - International Journal of Multiphase Flow
JF - International Journal of Multiphase Flow
M1 - 104044
ER -