Fluid Mechanical Aspects of the Gas-Lift Technique

http://www.cadfamily.com/a/CAE_FEA_CFD/Fluid-Mechanics/Fluid-Mechanical-Aspects-of-the-Gas-Lift-Technique_4190.html

Key Words
bubbly flow, bubble size, lift force, stability
Abstract
The gas-lift technique comprises the injection of gas bubbles in vertical oil wells to
increase production. It is based on a reduction of the tubing gravitational pressure
gradient. Several fluid-flow phenomena influencing such vertical gas-liquid flows are
discussed. These effects include the radial distribution of void fraction and of gas
and liquid velocity, flow regime changes, and system stability problems. Associated
consequences for gas-lift performance and related optimization approaches are also
discussed.