Flow Correlations

z Vertical Flow (Multiphase)

{ Source
{ Correlation
{ Friction and Holdup Factors
z Horizontal Flow (Multiphase)
{ Source
{ Correlation
{ Friction and Holdup Factors
z Vertical-Horizontal Correlation Swap Angle
z Single phase
Related topics

z Selecting a flow correlation

z Suggested flow correlation
z Flow Correlation matching
z Flow regimes
z User Defined flow correlation
z Shell flow correlations

Selecting a flow correlation

Flow correlation's are selected from the <Setup/Flow Correlations...> menu. Make the following selections for vertical and horizontal correlation from either those
supplied as standard or from a User Defined correlation;

z Source: This defines the source of the correlation for either the vertical or horizontal correlation. Options are;
{ bja: The code for the correlation has been developed by Schlumberger and has been extensively tested. (default)
{ tulsa: The code for the correlation was developed by the University of Tulsa, USA. The code is usually of academic quality and may give errors.
{ Shell SRTCA: Various versions of correlations developed by and for use by Shell.

{ OLGA-S 2000 2-phase. The OLGAS-2000 steady-state model. Only available if the OLGAS option has been purchased.
{ OLGA-S 2000 3-phase. The OLGAS-2000 steady-state model. Only available if the OLGAS option has been purchased. An additional license
needs to be obtained from Scandpower for this option.
{ Shell SIEP. Correlations developed by and for use by Shell.
{ Segregated Flow - GRE. A model from BP. Available for general use.
{See also User Defined flow correlation
z Correlation - Correlations that are available will be dependent on the "source" selected.
The operation Flow Correlation matching has been specifically developed to assist with this task of determining the most suitable flow correlation from well test
data.

Suggested correlations

If no production data is available then Schlumberger have found the following to give satisfactory results in the past:
• Single phase system - Moody
• Vertical oil well - Hagedorn & Brown
• Highly deviated oil well - Hagedorn & Brown or Duns & Ros or OLGA-S
• Gas/condensate well - Hagedorn & Brown
• Oil pipelines - Oliemans
• Gas/condensate pipelines - BJA Correlation

Correlation Vertical & Highly Vertical Oil Pipelines Gas/Condensate

Predominantly Deviated Oil Gas/Condenstae Pipelines
Vertical Oil Wells Wells Wells
Duns & Ros 9 9 9 9 9
Orkiszewski 9 x 9 x x
Hagedorn & Brown 9 x 9 x x
Beggs & Brill Revised 9 9 9 9 9
Beggs & Brill Original 9 9 9 9 9
Mukherjee & Brill 9 9 9 9 9
Govier, Aziz& Forgasi 9 9 9 9 9
NoSlip 9 9 9 9 9
OLGAS 9 9 9 9 9
Ansari 9 x 9 x x
BJA for Condensates x x 9 x 9
AGA & Flanigan x x x x
 9
Oliemans x x x 9 9
Gray x x 9 x x
Gray Modified x x 9 x x
Xiao x x x 9 9

Single Phase Flow Correlations

See also: Selecting correlations

Pressure change in single phase sections is given by the equation:-

(dp/dl) = (dp/dl)elev.+ (dp/dl)fric.+ (dp/dl) acc.

= -(ρ g sinθ )/gc (elevational) + -ƒ ρ ν 2/2gcd (frictional) + -ρ ν /gc x dν /dl (accelerational)

where

ƒ = friction factor
ρ = fluid density
ν = fluid velocity
g = gravitational constant at current altitude
gc = universal gravitational constant
θ = flow angle
d = pipe diameter

Throughout, the accelerational term for single phase flow is negligible and is assumed to be zero.
There are a number of different methods available for calculating the friction factor as follows:

Moody (default for liquid or gas):

Reynolds number (Re) is given by:-

Re = - ρ ν d/µ
For laminar flow (Re < 2000):-
ƒ = 64/Re
For turbulent flow (Re ≥ 2000):-
ƒ -0.5 = 1.74 - 2log((2ε /d) + (18.7/Reƒ 0.5))
where
µ = fluid viscosity
ε = pipe roughness

AGA (for gas):

For laminar flow (Re < 1000):-

ƒ = 64/Re
For turbulent flow:-
(0.25ƒ)-0.5 = 4log10(3.7d/ε)
For transition flow:-
(0.25ƒ)-0.5 = 4log10(Re/(0.25ƒ)-0.5) - 0.6
The boundary between transition and turbulent flow is a function of Reynolds number and friction factor.

Panhandle 'A' (for gas):

(0.25ƒ)-0.5 = 6.872Re0.07305

Panhandle 'B' (for gas):

(0.25ƒ)-0.5 = 16.49Re0.01961

Hazen-Williams (for liquid water):

ƒ = (1/192)(150/ν )0.15d-0.17
m
(in Engineering units)

Weymouth (for gas):

(0.25ƒ) = 0.00272d-1/3
(in SI units)

Cullender & Smith

Uses the Moody friction factor & applicable only to single-phase gas flow in wells or pipelines.

Vertical Multiphase Flow Correlations

<Setup/Flow Correlations>

See also: Flow regimes, Selecting correlations, Suggested flow correlation

The following vertical multiphase flow correlations are available:

Duns & Ros:

The Duns & Ros correlation is used for pressure loss and holdup with flow regime determination by either the Duns & Ros or the Taitel Dukler correlations. The
Duns & Ros correlation was developed for vertical flow of gas and liquid mixtures in wells. Equations were developed for each of three flow regions, (I) bubble,
plug and part of froth flow regimes, (II) remainder of froth flow and slug flow regimes, (III) mist flow regime. These regions have low, intermediate and high gas
throughputs respectively. Each flow region has a different holdup correlation. The equations were based on extensive experimental work using oil and air
mixtures.

Beggs & Brill:

ORIGNIAL: The Original Beggs & Brill correlation is used for pressure loss and holdup. Flow regime is determined by either the Beggs & Brill or Taitel Dukler
correlation. The Beggs & Brill correlation was developed following a study of two-phase flow in horizontal and inclined pipes. The correlation is based upon a
flow regime map which is first determined as if the flow was horizontal. A horizontal holdup is then calculated by correlations, and this holdup is corrected for the
angle of inclination. The test system included two 90 ft long acrylic pipes, winched to a variable elevation in the middle, so as to model incline flow both upwards
and downwards at angles of up to 90°.

Beggs & Brill Revised:

REVISED: As above except that the revised version of the Beggs & Brill correlation is used, with rough pipe friction factors, holdup limiters and corrective
constants as proposed by Palmer and Payne. The following enhancements to the original method are used; (1) an extra flow regime of froth flow is considered
which assumes a no-slip holdup, (2) the friction factor is changed from the standard smooth pipe model, to utilise a single phase friction factor based on the
average fluid velocity.

Orkiszewski:

The Orkiszewski correlation is used for pressure loss, holdup, and flow regime. The Orkiszewski correlation was developed for the prediction of two phase
pressure drops in vertical pipe. Four flow regimes were considered, bubble, slug, annular-slug transition, and annular mist. The method can accurately predict,
to within 10%, the two phase pressure drops in naturally flowing and gas lifted production wells over a wide range of well conditions. The precision of the
method was verified when its predicted values were compared against 148 measured pressure drops. Unlike most other methods, liquid holdup is derived from
observed physical phenomena, and is adjusted for angle of deviation.

Govier & Aziz:

The correlation of Aziz, Govier, and Forgasi is used for pressure loss, holdup, and flow regime. The Govier, Aziz & Fogarasi correlation was developed following
a study of pressure drop in wells producing gas and condensate. Actual field pressure drop v. flowrate data from 102 wells with gas-liquid ratios ranging from
3,900 to 1,170,000 scf/bbl were analysed in detail. The phase conditions in the well bore were determined by standard flash calculations. Pressure-gradient data
for flow under single-phase conditions were compared with conventional predictions, and found generally to confirm them. For the test in which two-phase
conditions were predicted throughout the well bore, the field data were compared with several wholly empirical prediction methods, with a previously proposed
method, and with a new prediction method partly based on the mechanics of flow. The new prediction method incorporates an empirical estimate of the
distribution of the liquid phase between that flowing as a film on the wall and that entrained in the gas core. It employs separate momentum equations for the
gas-liquid mixture in the core and for the total contents of the pipe.

Hagedorn & Brown:

The correlation of Hagedorn & Brown is used for pressure loss and holdup. While the Hagedorn & Brown correlation does not predict flow pattern, the flow
pattern as predicted by Beggs & Brill is reported. The Duns & Ros flow pattern prediction can also be reported. Neither of these flow pattern prediction methods
affects any of the calculations. The Hagedorn and Brown correlation was developed following an experimental study of pressure gradients occurring during
continuous two-phase flow in small diameter vertical conduits. A 1,500 ft experimental well was used to study flow through 1 in., 1.25 in., and 1.5 in. nominal
size tubing. Air was the gas phase and four different liquids were used: water and crude oils with viscosities of about 10, 30 and 110 cp. Liquid holdup was not
directly measured, rather a pseudo liquid-holdup value was determined that matched measured pressure gradients.

Further work by Brill and Hagedorn have led to two modifications: (1) If the Griffith and Wallis criteria predicted the occurrence of bubble flow, the Griffith
bubble-flow method should be used to predict pressure gradient, and (2) If the predicted liquid holdup is less than the no-slip liquid holdup, then the no-slip liquid
holdup is used.

All of the correlations involve only dimensionless groups, which is a condition usually sought for in similarity analysis but not always achieved.

BJA Correlation:

Schlumberger have developed a correlation for two phase flow in gas-condensate pipelines with a no-slip liquid volume fraction of lower than 0.1. This
model represents no major advance in theory, but rather a consolidation of various existing mechanistic models, combined with a modest amount of theoretical
development and field data testing. The model uses the Taitel Dukler flow regime map and a modified set of the Taitel Dukler momentum balance to predict
liquid holdup. The pressure loss calculation procedure is similar in approach to that proposed by Oliemans, but accounts for the increased interfacial shear
resulting from the liquid surface roughness. The BJA correlation is used for pressure loss and holdup with flow regime determined by the Taitel Dukler
correlation. The BJA correlation has been developed by Schlumberger specifically for applications involving low liquid/gas ratios, e.g. gas/condensate pipelines.

The BJA correlation is not recommended for systems having a non-slip liquid volume fraction greater than 0.1. Users should note that while quite extensive
testing of the correlation against operating data has been undertaken for horizontal and inclined flow, the test data for vertical flow is not so comprehensive. Full
details of the BJA correlations were first published in May 1987 at the 3rd International Conference on Multi-Phase Flow, and copies of the paper can be
obtained from BJA

Mukherjee & Brill:

The Mukerjee & Brill correlation is used for Pressure loss, Holdup and flow map. Note: selection of alternative flow maps and/or holdups will cause unpredictable
results. The Mukherjee & Brill correlation was developed following a study of pressure drop behaviour in two-phase inclined flow. For bubble and slug flow, a
no-slip friction factor calculated from the Moody diagram was found adequate for friction head loss calculations. In downhill stratified flow, the friction pressure
gradient is calculated based on a momentum balance equation for either phase assuming a smooth gas-liquid interface. For annular-mist flow, a friction factor
correlation was presented that is a function of holdup ratio and no-slip Moody friction factor. Results agreed well with the experimental data and correlations
were further verified with Prudhoe Bay and North Sea data.

Brill & Minami:

The Brill & Minami Holdup correlations can be used with any flow map correlations except Mukerjee & Brill and No Slip.

NOSLIP Correlation:

The NOSLIP correlation assumes homogeneous flow with no slip between the phases. Fluid properties are taken as the average of the gas and liquid phases
and friction factors are calculated using the single phase MOODY correlation. Note: selection of alternative flow maps and/or holdups will cause unpredictable
results.

OLGA-S 2000 2-phase / OLGA-S 2000 3-phase – version 3.0

OLGAS is based in larger part on data from the SINTEF two-phase flow laboratory near Trondheim, Norway. The test facilities were designed to operate at
conditions that approximated field conditions. The test loop was 800 m long and 8 inches in diameter. Operating pressures between 20 and 90 barg were
studied. Gas superficial velocities of up to 13 m/s, and liquid superficial velocities of up to 4 m/s were obtained. In order to simulate the range of viscosities and
surface tensions experienced in field applications, different hydrocarbon liquids were used (naptha, diesel, and lube oil). Nitrogen was used as the gas. Pipeline
inclination angles between 1° were studied in addition to flow up or down a hill section ahead of a 50m high vertical riser. Over 10,000 experiments were run on
this test loop during an eight year period. The facility was run in both steady state and transient modes. OLGAS considers four flow regimes, stratified, annular,
slug and dispersed bubble flow and uses a unique minimum slip criteria to predict flow regime transitions. This correlation is available to all members of the
SINTEF syndicate, and to non-members on payment of the appropriate royalty fees

Gray

The Gray Vertical Flow correlation is used for pressure loss and holdup. This correlation was developed by H E Gray of Shell Oil Company for vertical flow in
gas and condensate systems which are predominantly gas phase. Flow is treated as single phase, and dropped out water or condensate is assumed to
adhere to the pipe wall. It is considered applicable for vertical flow cases where the velocity is below 50 ft/s, the tube size is below 31/2-in, the condensate ratio
is below 50 bbl/mmscf, and the water ratio is below 5 bbl/mmscf.

Gray Modified:

As above, but with the following modifications: (1) Actual Reynolds number used (Gray Original assumed Reynolds number to always be 1 million), and (2)
Pseudo-roughness is constrained to be less than the pipe radius.

Ansari:

The Ansari mechanistic model was developed as part of the Tulsa University Fluid Flow Projects (TUFFP) research program. A comprehensive model was
formulated to predict flow patterns and the flow characteristics of the predicted flow patterns for upward two-phase flow. The comprehensive mechanistic
model is composed of a model for flow pattern prediction and a set of independent models for predicting holdup and pressure drop in bubble, slug, and annular
flows. The model was evaluated by using the TUFFP well databank that is composed of 1775 well cases, with 371 of them from Prudhoe Bay data.

Horizontal Multiphase Flow Correlations

<Setup/Flow Correlations>

See also: Flow regimes, Selecting correlations

The following horizontal multiphase flow correlations are available:

Duns & Ros:

The Duns & Ros correlation is used for pressure loss, with a choice of either Duns & Ros or BJA holdup. Flow regime determination is either the Duns & Ros or
the Taitel Dukler correlations. The Duns & Ros correlation was developed for vertical flow of gas and liquid mixtures in wells. Equations were developed for
each of three flow regions, (I) bubble, plug and part of froth flow regimes, (II) remainder of froth flow and slug flow regimes, (III) mist flow regime. These regions
have low, intermediate and high gas throughputs respectively. Each flow region has a different holdup correlation. The equations were based on extensive
experimental work using oil and air mixtures.

Dukler (AGA) & Flanigan:

(a) The AGA & Flanigan correlation was developed for horizontal and inclined two phase flow of gas-condensate gathering systems. The Taitel Dukler
flow regime map is used which considers five flow regimes, stratified smooth, stratified wavy, intermittent, annular dispersed liquid, and dispersed bubble. The
Dukler equation is used to calculate the frictional pressure loss and holdup, and the Flanigan equation is used to calculate the elevational pressure differential.

(b) As above but with liquid holdup calculated according to the Eaton correlation. The Eaton liquid holdup correlation is based on a study performed on 2 in. and
4 in. steel pipe using water and natural gas as test fluids. Test pressures ranged from 305 to 865 psia and liquid holdup measurements ranged from .006 –
0.732.

Beggs & Brill:

ORIGINAL: The original Beggs & Brill correlation is used for pressure loss and either the BBO or the BJA correlation is used to calculate holdup. Flow regime is
determined by either the Beggs & Brill or Taitel Dukler correlation. The Beggs & Brill correlation was developed following a study of two-phase flow in horizontal
and inclined pipes. The correlation is based upon a flow regime map which is first determined as if the flow was horizontal. A horizontal holdup is then
calculated by correlations, and this holdup is corrected for the angle of inclination. The test system included two 90 ft long acrylic pipes, winched to a variable
elevation in the middle, so as to model incline flow both upwards and downwards at angles of up to 90°.

Beggs & Brill Revised:

REVISED: As above except that the revised version of the Beggs & Brill correlation is used, with rough pipe friction factors, holdup limits and corrective
constants as proposed by Palmer and Payne. The following enhancements to the original method are used; (1) an extra flow regime of froth flow is considered
which assumes a no-slip holdup, (2) the friction factor is changed from the standard smooth pipe model, to utilise a single phase friction factor based on the
average fluid velocity.

BJA Correlation:

Schlumberger have developed a correlation for two phase flow in gas-condensate pipelines with a no-slip liquid volume fraction of lower than 0.1. This
model represents no major advance in theory, but rather a consolidation of various existing mechanistic models, combined with a modest amount of theoretical
development and field data testing. The model uses the Taitel Dukler flow regime map and a modified set of the Taitel Dukler momentum balance to predict
liquid holdup. The pressure loss calculation procedure is similar in approach to that proposed by Oliemans, but accounts for the increased interfacial shear
resulting from the liquid surface roughness. The BJA correlation is used for pressure loss and holdup with flow regime determined by the Taitel Dukler
correlation. The BJA correlation has been developed Schlumberger specifically for applications involving low liquid/gas ratios, e.g. gas/condensate pipelines.
Note: The BJA correlation is identical to the BPS correlation documented in PIPESIM Release 2.1 and earlier.

The BJA correlation is not recommended for systems having a non-slip liquid volume fraction greater than 0.1 (Ref. Appendix B for some background
information on the BJA correlation).

A revised BJA holdup correlation (BJA2) has been developed to overcome occasional erratic behavior at low flow rates. Refer to the correlation description in
Appendix B for full details. Note full details of the BJA correlations were published in the Oil and Gas Journal (May 1987) at the 3rd International Conference on
Multi-Phase Flow, and copies of the paper can be obtained from BJA.

Oliemans:

The Oliemans correlation was developed following the study of large diameter condensate pipelines. The flow regime is predicted using the Taitel Dukler flow
regime map, and a simple model, which obeyed the correct single phase flow limits was introduced to predict the pressure drop. The model was based on a
limited amount of data from a 30-in, 100-km pipeline operating at pressures of 100 barg or higher. The Oliemans pressure loss correlation can be used with the
Eaton, BJA1, BJA2, BRIMIN1 or BRIMIN2 holdup correlations.

Mukherjee & Brill:

The Mukherjee & Brill correlation is used for Pressure loss, Holdup and Flow Map. Note: selection of alternative flow maps and/or holdups will cause
unpredictable results. The Mukherjee & Brill correlation was developed following a study of pressure drop behaviour in two-phase inclined flow. The test
facility consisted of a U-Shaped pipe that was inclinable +/-90º. Each leg of the U section was 56 ft with 22 ft entrance lengths and a 32 ft test sections on both
sides. Fluids were air, kerosene and lube oil with liquid viscosities ranging from .9 to 75 cp. Approximately 1000 pressure drop measurements and 1500 liquid
holdup measurements were obtained from a broad range of oil and gas flows.

For bubble and slug flow, a no-slip friction factor calculated from the Moody diagram was found adequate for friction head loss calculations. In downhill stratified
flow, the friction pressure gradient is calculated based on a momentum balance equation for either phase assuming a smooth gas-liquid interface. For annular-
mist flow, a friction factor correlation was presented that is a function of holdup ratio and no-slip Moody friction factor. Results agreed well with the experimental
data and correlations were further verified with Prudhoe Bay and North Sea data.

Minami & Brill:

The Minami & Brill correlation calculates liquid holdup though does not predict flow regime or pressure gradient. The experimental holdup data was obtained by
passing spheres through a 1,333 ft long 3” steel horizontal pipe and measuring the liquid volumes removed. Holdup measurements ranged from .001 to .44.
Fluids used in the experiment included air, kerosene and water with the liquid viscosities ranging from .6 cp to 2 cp.

Two correlations were proposed. The first (BRIMIN1) is valid for all ranges of liquid holdup; the second (BRIMIN2) is strictly for wet gas pipelines (holdup < .35).

The Minamii & Brill holdup correlations can be used with any correlation except Mukherjee & Brill and No Slip. To activate the Minami & Brill correlation, enter
the appropriate engine keyword under Setup -> Engine Options (eg. “hcorr holdup = brimin1”)

NOSLIP Correlation:

The NOSLIP correlation assumes homogeneous flow with no slip between the phases. Fluid properties are taken as the average of the gas and liquid phases
and friction factors are calculated using the single phase MOODY correlation. Note: selection of alternative flow maps and/or holdups will cause unpredictable
results.
Hagedorn & Brown:

The correlation of Hagedorn & Brown is used for pressure loss and holdup. There is a choice of either Beggs & Brill, Duns & Ros, or Taitel Dukler flow regime
determination. The Hagedorn and Brown correlation was developed following an experimental study of pressure gradients occurring during continuous two-
phase flow in small diameter vertical conduits. A 1,500 ft experimental well was used to study flow through 1-in, 11/4-in, and 11/2-in nominal size tubing.
Tests were conducted for widely varying liquid flowrates, gas-liquid ratios and liquid viscosities. All of the correlations involve only dimensionless groups, which
is a condition usually sought for in similarity analysis but not always achieved. BJA consider the use of the original correlation unwise, as it can grossly
underestimate liquid holdup. Users are advised to use the Hagedorn & Brown Revised correlation.

OLGA-S 2000 2-phase / OLGA-S 2000 3-phase

OLGAS is based in larger part on data from the SINTEF two-phase flow laboratory near Trondheim, Norway. The test facilities were designed to operate at
conditions that approximated field conditions. The test loop was 800 m long and 8 inches in diameter. Operating pressures between 20 and 90 barg were
studied. Gas superficial velocities of up to 13 m/s, and liquid superficial velocities of up to 4 m/s were obtained. In order to simulate the range of viscosities and
surface tensions experienced in field applications, different hydrocarbon liquids were used (naptha, diesel, and lube oil). Nitrogen was used as the gas. Pipeline
inclination angles between 1° were studied in addition to flow up or down a hill section ahead of a 50m high vertical riser. Over 10,000 experiments were run on
this test loop during an eight year period. The facility was run in both steady state and transient modes. OLGAS considers four flow regimes, stratified, annular,
slug and dispersed bubble flow and uses a unique minimum slip criteria to predict flow regime transitions. This correlation is available to all members of the
SINTEF syndicate, and to non-members on payment of the appropriate royalty fees

Xiao:

The Xiao comprehensive mechanistic model was developed as part of the TUFFP research program. It was developed for gas-liquid two-phase flow in
horizontal and near horizontal pipelines. The model first predicts the existing flow pattern, and then calculates flow characteristics, primarily liquid holdup and
pressure drop, for the stratified, intermittent, annular, or dispersed bubble flow patterns. The model was tested against a pipeline data bank. The data bank
included large diameter field data culled from the AGA multiphase pipeline data bank, and laboratory data published in literature. Data included both black oil
and compositional fluid systems. A new correlation was proposed which predicts the internal friction factor under stratified flow.

Swap Angle

The multiphase flow correlations used to predict the pressure loss and holdup are split into two categories: vertical and horizontal. Each category lists the
correlations that are appropriate for that type of flow.
By default the selected vertical correlation is used in the situation where the tubing/pipe is within 45 degrees of the vertical [up or down]. Outside this range the
selected horizontal correlation is used. This angle can be changed. See Diagram.

Friction and Holdup factors

These are two factors that can be used to adjust the friction and holdup prediction of a particular correlation. By default these factors are 1.

Setting the friction factor to 0.5, for example, will mean that the pressure drop computed by the friction element will be halved. These factors are often used as
calibration factors when a good match to field data cannot be obtained by any other method. Changing these factors will affect the results and should be
undertaken with care.