Multiphase Flow: Introduction

Dr. Mojgan Abbasi

School of Chemical Engineering,
Faculty of Engineering,
University of Tehran

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

• Introduction
o Most installations for petroleum production and testing
involve concurrent flow of gas and liquid.

One of the reasons multiphase

flow is more complicated than
single‐phase flow is that two or
more fluids compete for the
available flow area.

1
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
• Concepts and Definitions
o Flow Pattern
o During flow of two or more immiscible fluids, deformable
interfaces present complications (Shape and distribution).
o These interfaces tend to be spherical at low relative velocities,
owing to surface tension effects. However, at higher relative
velocities of the lighter fluid, the bubbles begin to elongate
and coalesce, gradually changing into a different flow pattern
or flow regime.
o Thus, bubbly flow, with small bubbles distribute uniformly
across the flow channel, changes to slug flow, with large
bubbles that fill the entire channel cross section with slugs of
liquid between them.

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

• Concepts and Definitions
o Flow Pattern
o At extremely high gas rates, all the gas may flow through
the core of the channel, while the liquid flows through
the annulus formed by the gas core and pipe wall. This
flow pattern is called annular flow.
o Therefore, multiphase flow can be categorized into a
number of flow patterns or regimes, the dynamics of
which differ from each other
 fluid velocities, fluid properties, channel geometry, and channel
orientation.

2
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
• Concepts and Definitions
o Superficial and In-Situ Velocities
o Superficial velocity of any phase is the volumetric flow rate of
that phase, divided by the total cross-sectional area of the
channel.
𝑞
𝑣
𝐴
o The superficial velocity of the total mixture of gas and liquid
is as important as the individual phase velocities in modeling
multiphase flow.
𝑣 𝑣 𝑣 averaged over the flow
cross section

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

• Concepts and Definitions
o Superficial and In-Situ Velocities
o Neither phase occupies the entire pipe flow cross section.
o The actual velocity of any phase is called in-situ velocity and
is defined as:
𝑣 ,𝑣

o The area in which each phase flows is usually unknown.

3
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
• Concepts and Definitions
o Volume Fraction, Mass Fraction, and Mass Flux
o We want to express the volumetric flow of the gas or liquid
phase as a fraction of the total volumetric flow.
o The gas volume fraction can be calculated from superficial
phase velocities as:
𝑞 𝑣
𝐶
𝑞 𝑞 𝑣
o We can define flowing gas mass fraction in terms of the mass
flow rates:
𝑤 𝑞 𝜌
𝑥
𝑤 𝑤 𝑞 𝜌 𝑞 𝜌

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

• Concepts and Definitions
o Volume Fraction, Mass Fraction, and Mass Flux
o Mass flux, G, is the mass flow rate per unit area and is also
known as mass velocity.
o for the two-phase mixture, the mixture mass flux, Gm, is
given by:
𝑤 𝑤
𝐺
𝐴

4
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
• Concepts and Definitions
o Slip, Gas Volume Fraction, and Liquid Holdup
o The in-situ velocity of the gas phase is different from that of
the liquid phase, even when the volumetric flow rates of the
phases are equal. Indeed, in upflow, the lighter gas phase
moves faster than the liquid phase, especially in vertical and
near-vertical systems. This difference in in-situ velocities is
called slip and is defined as
𝑣 𝑣 ‐𝑣

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

• Concepts and Definitions
o Slip, Gas Volume Fraction, and Liquid Holdup
in‐situ volumetric fractions of
the two phases in a pipe’s
cross‐sectional area of flow

The liquid in‐situ velocity is generally less than

that of the gas phase, which means the liquid
is held up.

5
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
• Method of Analysis
o The analysis of two-phase flow closely follows that of
the well-established method for single-phase flow
𝑑𝑝 𝑑𝑝 𝑑𝑝 𝑑𝑝
𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑧
𝑑𝑝 𝑓 𝜌 𝑣 𝑑𝑝
𝜌 𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛼/𝑔
𝑑𝑧 2𝑔 𝑑 𝑑𝑧
𝑑𝑝
𝜌 𝑣 𝑑𝑣 /𝑑𝑧 /𝑔
𝑑𝑧

𝜌 𝜌 𝑓 +𝜌 1 𝑓

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

• Method of Analysis
o Two different approaches, generalized and flow pattern
based, may be taken to express frictional, accelerational,
and potential pressure gradient during multiphase flow.
o The generalized approach attempts to develop methods
for computing pressure drop and liquid holdup that will
be applicable to all types of flow geometry and patterns.
o Within the generalized approach, two types of flow
models can be used: homogeneous flow and separated
flow.

6
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
• Method of Analysis
Generalized
approach

homogeneous flow separated flow

model model

• Multiphase mixture behaves much • The phases are segregated and that
like a homogeneous single‐phase fluid they move with unequal velocities

• Average property value • Empirical correlations for computing

liquid holdup and wall shear are
• No slip condition needed

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

• Method of Analysis
o In the flow pattern approach, an attempt is made to
develop a mathematical model consistent with the
observed physical phenomena for each flow regime.
o Because flow patterns are somewhat different for
horizontal, vertical, and inclined flows, pipe orientations
are usually treated separately.
o Various flow patterns arise because of different
hydrodynamic conditions.

7
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
• Method of Analysis
o This approach leads to the development of accurate
working equations, which are much more suitable for
extrapolation and interpolation than the generalized
approach.
o However, this method requires determining all relevant
flow patterns beforehand.
o In most oil industry applications, the flow pattern
visualization is either impossible or uncertain; therefore,
the pattern must be inferred from measured data, thereby
introducing a possible source of error.

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

• Homogeneous Flow Models
o The homogeneous flow model assumes fluids in the
system to be perfectly mixed, forming a homogeneous
mixture with no slip between the phases.
o The no-slip assumption treats the two-phase mixture
essentially as a single-phase fluid.

𝑣 𝑣 ‐𝑣
0
𝑣 𝑣 𝑣
𝑓 𝐶
1 𝑓 𝑓 𝑣

8
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
• Homogeneous Flow Models
o With known mixture density, an expression for mixture
friction factor is all that is needed to compute pressure
drop in two-phase flow.
o Poettmann and Carpenter (1952), in their classical work,
presented a graph of friction factor vs. pseudo-Reynolds
number.
o This was the first practical calculation model for vertical
two-phase flow. It was very popular in the 1960s and
1970s.
o They developed their correlation based on 49 pressured
drop measurements.

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

• Homogeneous Flow Models
o Poettmann and Carpenter (1952):
o The proposed equation was:
𝑝𝑠𝑖 𝑑𝑃 1 𝑓𝜌 𝑉
𝜌 1.294 10 𝑓𝑡
𝑓𝑡 𝑑𝑧 144 𝑙𝑏 𝑑
𝑖𝑛 𝑠
𝑓𝑡

o Poettmann and Carpenter preferred to base the equation

on a total mass flow rate
𝑝𝑠𝑖 𝑙𝑏𝑚
𝑓𝑡 𝑑𝑎𝑦

𝑙𝑏 𝑓𝑡
𝑓𝑡

9
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
• Homogeneous Flow Models
o Poettmann and Carpenter (1952):
o They developed the friction
factor chart based on
field data

The exclusion of fluid viscosity from

friction factor correlation makes this
method theoretically deficient, leading
to unreliable pressure‐drop estimation.

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

• Homogeneous Flow Models
o For instance, data gathered by Baxendell and Thomas
(1961) deviate significantly from the Poettmann-
Carpenter correlation.
o Fancher and Brown (1963) modified the Poettmann-
Carpenter correlation to account for the effect of
gas/liquid ratio (GLR) on mixture friction factor, which
was evident from the extensive data they gathered from
an 8,000-ft well.
o Their data indicate a decrease in fm with an increase in
the GLR.
o Hagedorn and Brown (1965) also noted a similar trend in
fm with GLR.

10
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
• Homogeneous Flow Models
o The effect of GLR and liquid viscosity on two-phase
friction factor is explained by noting that:
 the gas has much lower viscosity than the liquid.
o Thus, the actual mixture viscosity decreases with
increasing GLR, especially when the liquid is a highly
viscous crude.
o Consequently, the actual (not the pseudo) Reynolds
number of the mixture increases with an increase in the
GLR, accounting for the lower value of fm.
o Therefore, a two-phase average mixture viscosity is
needed to correlate the two-phase friction factor
properly.

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

• Homogeneous Flow Models
o A number of researchers have defined such mixture
viscosity using various averaging approaches.

Cicchitti et al. (1960)

Dukler et al. (1964)

McAdams et al. (1942)

11
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
• Homogeneous Flow Models
o Apart from the problem of defining a proper two-phase
viscosity or a two-phase Reynolds number, the
homogeneous model also suffers from the unrealistic
assumption regarding slip and liquid holdup.
o No-slip assumption for vertical and near-vertical systems
can lead to significant underestimation of the liquid
holdup because the in-situ velocity of the liquid phase is
much lower than that of the gas phase.
o This fact implies that the actual liquid holdup fL is higher
than the input volume fraction CL of the liquid phase.
 the actual static head is higher than that when calculated using
the homogeneous model. Be careful!

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

• Separated Flow Models
o Unlike the homogeneous models, the separated flow model
makes a more realistic assumption in that the two phases are
segregated and flow at different velocities.
• Lockhart-Martinelli Correlation
o The Lockhart and Martinelli correlation presents the two-
phase pressure gradient in terms of a single-phase gradient
multiplied by a correction factor (two-phase friction
multiplier).
o The single-phase gradients are calculated as if each phase
flowed in the pipe alone.
𝑑𝑝 𝑑𝑝 𝑑𝑝
∅ ∅
𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑧

12
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
• Lockhart-Martinelli Correlation

𝑑𝑝 𝑓 𝜌 𝑣 𝜌 𝑣 𝑑
Moody diagram 𝑁
𝑑𝑧 2𝑔 𝑑 𝜇

𝑑𝑝 𝑓 𝜌𝑣 𝜌 𝑣 𝑑
𝑁
𝑑𝑧 2𝑔 𝑑 𝜇

o Lockhart and Martinelli (1949) proposed a generalized

method to compute the values of the two-phase friction
multiplier and liquid holdup for isothermal two-component
flow.
.
When both phases are
𝑑𝑝 𝑑𝑝 flowing in turbulent manner,
𝑋 /
𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑧 which is often the case in
most wells

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

• Separated Flow Models
• Lockhart-Martinelli Correlation

The first subscript of ϕ represents the

turbulent or viscous nature of the liquid
phase, and the second one denotes the
same for the gas phase.

They considered that laminar

flow existed in a phase if the
Reynolds number for that phase
was less than 1000.

13
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
• Lockhart-Martinelli Correlation

𝐶 1
∅ 1
𝑋 𝑋
Ctt=20, Cvt=12, Ctv=10, Cvv=5

𝑓 1 𝑓 1 1 𝑋 . .

At low pressures and low values of the

LockhartMartinelli parameter X (X < 10)

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

• Separated Flow Models
• Lockhart-Martinelli Correlation
o The Lockhart-Martinelli correlation is specifically derived for
horizontal flow without significant acceleration.
o Its application to other situations, where frictional gradient is
comparatively small, can lead to errors.
 e.g., vertical systems
o One aspect of the Lockhart-Martinelli correlation is that it
skirts the flow pattern issue.
 Avoiding the flow pattern discontinuities at the transition boundaries.
o Another well-known deficiency of the model is its
unsatisfactory representation of the effects of system
variables, in particular flow rate (ϕL vs. X).

14
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
• Separated Flow Models
• Duns-Ros Correlation
o In the early 1960s, Ros (1960) and Duns and Ros (1963)
developed an empirical correlation from a large set of
laboratory data.
o Their method does not strictly fall in the generalized
correlation category because they defined four different flow
regimes and assigned individual correlations for slip between
the phases for each regime.
o Region I: the flow regime in which the liquid is the continuous phase and
therefore includes bubble, froth, plug, and some slug flow.
o Region II: covers situations in which neither phase is continuous and hence
includes the rest of the slug and froth flows, as well as heading or pulsating flow.
o When gas becomes the continuous phase, as in annular flow, it is termed Region
III.
o Transition region (probably corresponding to churn flow) between Region II and
Region III.

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

• Separated Flow Models
• Duns-Ros Correlation
o In the early 1960s, Ros (1960) and Duns and Ros (1963)
developed an empirical correlation from a large set of
laboratory data.

𝜌 1 𝑔𝜌
𝑁 𝑉 𝑁 𝑁 𝜇 𝑁 𝐷
𝑔𝜎 𝜌𝜎 𝜎

𝜌
𝑁 𝑉
𝑔𝜎

15
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
• Separated Flow Models
• Duns-Ros Correlation

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

• Separated Flow Models
• Duns-Ros Correlation
o Duns and Ros defined a slip velocity number, to estimate
liquid holdup in any region. Once Ns and the slip are
determined, the liquid holdup can be calculated. The
correlation for Ns, however, is different in each region.

𝜌
𝑆 𝑣
𝑔𝜎

𝑣 𝑣 ‐𝑣

16
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
• Separated Flow Models
• Duns-Ros Correlation
o Region I

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

• Separated Flow Models
• Duns-Ros Correlation
o Region I

o f1 is obtained from a Moody diagram as a function of the

Reynolds number of the liquid

17
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
• Separated Flow Models
• Duns-Ros Correlation
o Region I
o The factor f2 is a correction for the in-situ gas liquid ratio.

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

• Separated Flow Models
• Duns-Ros Correlation
o Region I
o The factor f3 is considered by Duns and Ros as an additional
correction factor for both liquid Viscosity and in-situ gas-
liquid ratio and becomes important for viscosities greater than
approximately 50 centistokes.

18
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
• Separated Flow Models
• Duns-Ros Correlation
o Region II

The frictional pressure drop in Region II mimics the approach of Region I, and Regions
I and II neglect the accelerational pressure loss.

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

• Separated Flow Models
• Duns-Ros Correlation
o Region III
o Duns and Ros assumed that with the high gas flow rates in the
region III the slip velocity was zero. Therefore, the mixture
density is the no-slip density.

o Since there is no slip, the friction factor is that given in a

Moody diagram, but as a function of a Reynolds number of
the gas.

19
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
• Separated Flow Models
• Duns-Ros Correlation
o Region III
o Duns and Ros noted that the wall roughness for mist flow is
affected by the film of liquid on the wall of the pipe. The
ripples of the wall film cause a drag on the gas.
o The value of roughness may be very small but ε/d never
becomes smaller than the value for the pipe itself. At the
transition zone to Region II, ε/d may approach 0.5.

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

• Separated Flow Models
• Duns-Ros Correlation
o Transion (between Region II and III)
o For the transition region, Duns and Ros (1963) suggested that
the average fluid density and the frictional gradient be
calculated by linear interpolation between Region II and
Region III boundaries with respect to Ngv.

20
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
Pressure Drop Correlations
o Separated Flow Models
o Hagedorn-Brown Method
o This correlation was developed from data obtained
from a 1500-ft experimental well.
o A complete series of tests was run on each of three
pipe sizes, namely, 1-in.,11/4 -in. and 11/2 -in.
nominal diameter tubing.

Prepared by: M. Abbasi (2014)

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

Pressure Drop Correlations
o Separated Flow Models
o Hagedorn and Brown
• Four liquids of widely varying viscosity were tested
in the 11/4 -in. tubing, and two liquids of different
viscosity were tested in the 11/2 -in. tubing.

• The resulting pressure drop model become one of the

more successful theories of vertical flow for many
decades.
Prepared by: M. Abbasi (2014)

21
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
Pressure Drop Correlations
at the lower mass flow rates where slippage between the phases
becomes significant, the points begin to deviate from the curve for
o Hagedorn and Brown single‐phase flow. The deviation of the points from the solid curve
was thus attributed to the increased liquid holdup as a consequence
• The liquid holdup of slippage.
was not measured
but was calculated to
satisfy the measured
pressure gradient
after the pressure
gradients due to
friction and
acceleration were
accounted for.
At these high mass flow rates,
most of the energy
losses are the result of friction
and could be correlated
with the Reynolds number.

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

Pressure Drop Correlations
o Separated Flow Models
o Hagedorn and Brown

• The liquid holdup correlation is

𝑓
𝑓 𝜓
𝜓

22
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
o Separated Flow Models
o Hagedorn and Brown
o Correlation for viscosity number coefficient

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

o Separated Flow Models
o Hagedorn and Brown
o Holdup factor correlation

Prepared by: M. Abbasi (2014)

23
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
o Separated Flow Models
o Hagedorn and Brown
o The proposed pressure drop equation is:

𝜌 + 𝜌
.
The pressure gradient
The pressure gradient The pressure gradient
caused by elevation Due to friction Due to acceleration
change

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

o Separated Flow Models
o Hagedorn and Brown
o The proposed pressure drop equation is:
𝑙𝑏𝑚
𝑑𝑎𝑦
𝜌 + 𝜌
.
𝑓𝑡
𝑝𝑠𝑖 𝑙𝑏
𝑓𝑡 𝑓𝑡
o The two-phase friction factor is correlated with a two-
phase Reynolds number using a standard moody diagram.
The Reynolds number is calculated from
𝜌𝑣 𝑑
𝑅𝑒 𝜇 𝜇 .𝜇
𝜇

24
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
o Separated Flow Models
o Hagedorn and Brown

o There was a general observation that the correlation

predicted too low gradients for low liquid rates and low
GLRs.
o The discrepancy was pronounced for larger pipe sizes.
o It turned out that the calculated liquid holdup is
significantly lower than the no-slip holdup!!!
o In this condition the liquid holdup is considered as no
slip holdup.

Multiphase Flow: Introduction

o Separated Flow Models
o Example: Estimating Pressure Gradient.
o A 5151 ft vertical well produces 23°API dry oil at 1140 STB/D
through a 2.99 in.-ID tubing. The gas/oil ratio (GOR) is 450
scf/STB, and the gas gravity is 0.8. The following property values
and computed fluid parameters are available at the wellhead.
Calculate the pressure gradient at this point.

25
Multiphase Flow: Introduction
o Separated Flow Models
o Example: Estimating Pressure Gradient.

the success of the latter two methods stems largely from the high flow rates
involved in this problem. For a low‐rate well, performance of the homogeneous
model tends to be poorer.

26