Towards the Comprehensive Modeling of Multiphase Fluid Flow Pumping Systems Using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH)

Multiphase pumping is a viable option in hydrocarbon production at different conditions and especially in more challenging environments. A multiphase pump system can boost pressure without the need to separate the phases and occupies less space and weight, which is valuable for offshore applications. Sub-sea multiphase pumping in deepwater will be reliable, bringing a new economic dimension to the development of satellite oil fields. It is necessary to study the different scenarios that may happen during the transferring of a multiphase fluid through the piping systems. The flow patterns transition in horizontal pipes has been studied theoretically using the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). SPH is a Lagrangian approach, with the particles themselves being the framework on which the fluid equations are solved, and so there is no grid to constrain the dynamic range or geometry of the system being modeled. In the Lagrangian formulation, the mesh follows the fluid motion and this automatically guarantees the accurate treatment of interfaces that is really a disadvantage of the Eulerian approach. Therefore, for multi-material (oil, water, gas and also sand) problems, Lagrangian method is the most accurate tool for tracking the material interfaces. In addition, geometrically complex and/or dynamic boundaries can be handled without undue difficulty. The simultaneous flow of air and water as two representing fluids are studied through a horizontal pipe using SPH method. The mathematical model is represented and the position of the fluids particles is obtained at different time steps. The objective is to simulate the flow patterns that will help us to design multiphase fluid pumping systems and to identify the variables of interest for instrumentation.