Parametric Study on Venturi Pressure Drop for Two Phase Oil (D130)-Water Flow for Different Operating Conditions – An Experimental Investigation

The governing parameters which affect pressure drop of two-phase oil-water flow across the venturi meter are water cut and angle of inclination. The study investigates experimentally the effect of inclination and water cut on pressure drop measurements across different venturi meters with beta ratios (β) = 0.4, and 0.6 for oil–water two-phase flow experiments in a 3-inch pipe for different operating conditions. Two-phase inclinable flow loop has been employed for conducting the experiments for different fluid mixture flow rates and water cuts. The working fluids utilized are Exxsol mineral oil (D130) and potable water. The experiments were conducted for water cuts varying from 0 to 100% in steps of 20%, flow rates ranging from 2000 to 12000 barrels per day (BPD), and for horizontal and vertical flow loop inclinations (0◦ and 90◦). Liquid flow rates considered in the study match flow rates of real oil wells. The results indicate that the venturi pressure drop varies linearly with water cuts for both β ratios (0.4 and 0.6). The study indicates that the effect of inclination on venturi pressure drop is not appreciable for all water cuts and flow rates. Also, from the experimental results it can be concluded that venturi with β = 0.6 is favourable for multiphase flow metering (with flow rates ranging from 8000 to 12000 BPD). The tangible findings of the study will be helpful in combating multi-phase flow challenges in oil and petroleum industries.