Marching algorithms are the rule rather than the exception in the determination of pressure distribution in long multiphase-flow pipes, both for the case of pipelines and wellbores. This type of computational protocol is the basis for most two-phase-flow software and it is presented by textbooks as the standard technique used in steady state two-phase analysis. Marching algorithms acknowledge the fact that the rate of change of common fluid flow parameters (such as pressure, temperature, and phase velocities) is not constant but varies along the pipe axis while performing the integration of the governing equations by dividing the entire length into small pipe segments. In the marching algorithm, governing equations are solved for small single sections of pipe, one section at a time. Calculated outlet conditions for a particular segment are then propagated to the next segment as its prescribed inlet condition. Calculation continues in a “marching” fashion until the entire length of the pipe has been integrated. In this work, several examples are shown where this procedure might no longer accurately represent the physics of the flow for the case of natural gas flows with retrograde condensation. The implications related to the use of this common technique are studied, highlighting its potential lack of compliance with the actual physics of the flow for selected examples. This paper concludes by suggesting remedies to these problems, supported by results, showing considerable improvement in fulfilling the actual constraints imposed by the set of simultaneous fluid dynamic continuum equations governing the flow.
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December 2008
Research Papers
Evaluation of “Marching Algorithms” in the Analysis of Multiphase Flow in Natural Gas Pipelines
Luis F. Ayala,
Luis F. Ayala
Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering Program,
e-mail: lfay@psu.edu
The Pennsylvania State University
, 127 Hosler Building, University Park, PA 16802
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Doruk Alp
Doruk Alp
Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering Program,
e-mail: doruk@psu.edu
The Pennsylvania State University
, 127 Hosler Building, University Park, PA 16802
Doruk Alp is a Ph.D. candidate in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering at Pennsylvania State University. Prior joining the program at Penn State he received both MSc (2005) and BSc (2001, Honors) degrees in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering from Middle East Technical University, Ankara. His research interests include thermal hydraulics, numerical modeling of porous flow, and phase behavior. Doruk’s MSc work involved modeling of gas production from hydrate reservoirs. Doruk is a member of SPE.
Search for other works by this author on:
Luis F. Ayala
Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering Program,
The Pennsylvania State University
, 127 Hosler Building, University Park, PA 16802e-mail: lfay@psu.edu
Doruk Alp
Doruk Alp is a Ph.D. candidate in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering at Pennsylvania State University. Prior joining the program at Penn State he received both MSc (2005) and BSc (2001, Honors) degrees in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering from Middle East Technical University, Ankara. His research interests include thermal hydraulics, numerical modeling of porous flow, and phase behavior. Doruk’s MSc work involved modeling of gas production from hydrate reservoirs. Doruk is a member of SPE.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering Program,
The Pennsylvania State University
, 127 Hosler Building, University Park, PA 16802e-mail: doruk@psu.edu
J. Energy Resour. Technol. Dec 2008, 130(4): 043003 (10 pages)
Published Online: November 17, 2008
Article history
Received:
August 30, 2007
Revised:
August 28, 2008
Published:
November 17, 2008
Citation
Ayala, L. F., and Alp, D. (November 17, 2008). "Evaluation of “Marching Algorithms” in the Analysis of Multiphase Flow in Natural Gas Pipelines." ASME. J. Energy Resour. Technol. December 2008; 130(4): 043003. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3000103
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