Integrated numerical simulation of hydraulic fracturing and production in shale gas well considering gas-water two-phase flow

Based on the displacement discontinuity method and the discrete fracture unified pipe network model,a sequential iterative numerical method was used to build a fracturing-production integrated numerical model of shale gas well considering the two-phase flow of gas and water.The model accounts for the influence of natural fractures and matrix properties on the fracturing process and directly applies post-fracturing formation pressure and water saturation distribution to subsequent well shut-in and production simulation,allowing for a more accurate fracturing-production integrated simulation.The results show that the reservoir physical properties have great impacts on fracture propagation,and the reasonable prediction of formation pressure and reservoir fluid distribution after the fracturing is critical to accurately predict the gas and fluid production of the shale gas wells.Compared with the conventional method,the proposed model can more accurately simulate the water and gas production by considering the impact of fracturing on both matrix pressure and water saturation.The established model is applied to the integrated fracturing-production simulation of practical horizontal shale gas wells.The simulation results are in good agreement with the practical production data,thus verifying the accuracy of the model.

Numerical Simulation of Oil-Water Two-Phase Flow in Low Permeability Tight Reservoirs Based on Weighted Least Squares Meshless Method

In response to the complex characteristics of actual low-permeability tight reservoirs,this study develops a meshless-based numerical simulation method for oil-water two-phase flow in these reservoirs,considering complex boundary shapes.Utilizing radial basis function point interpolation,the method approximates shape functions for unknown functions within the nodal influence domain.The shape functions constructed by the aforementioned meshless interpolation method haveδ-function properties,which facilitate the handling of essential aspects like the controlled bottom-hole flow pressure in horizontal wells.Moreover,the meshless method offers greater flexibility and freedom compared to grid cell discretization,making it simpler to discretize complex geometries.A variational principle for the flow control equation group is introduced using a weighted least squares meshless method,and the pressure distribution is solved implicitly.Example results demonstrate that the computational outcomes of the meshless point cloud model,which has a relatively small degree of freedom,are in close agreement with those of the Discrete Fracture Model(DFM)employing refined grid partitioning,with pressure calculation accuracy exceeding 98.2%.Compared to high-resolution grid-based computational methods,the meshless method can achieve a better balance between computational efficiency and accuracy.Additionally,the impact of fracture half-length on the productivity of horizontal wells is discussed.The results indicate that increasing the fracture half-length is an effective strategy for enhancing production from the perspective of cumulative oil production.

Numerical Solutions of the Classical and Modified Buckley-Leverett Equations Applied to Two-Phase Fluid Flow

Climate change is a reality. The burning of fossil fuels from oil, natural gas and coal is responsible for much of the pollution and the increase in the planet’s average temperature, which has raised discussions on the subject, given the emergencies related to climate. An energy transition to clean and renewable sources is necessary and urgent, but it will not be quick. In this sense, increasing the efficiency of oil extraction from existing sources is crucial, to avoid waste and the drilling of new wells. The purpose of this work was to add diffusive and dispersive terms to the Buckley-Leverett equation in order to incorporate extra phenomena in the temporal evolution between the water-oil and oil-water transitions in the pipeline. For this, the modified Buckley-Leverett equation was discretized via essentially weighted non-oscillatory schemes, coupled with a three-stage Runge-Kutta and a fourth-order centered finite difference methods. Then, computational simulations were performed and the results showed that new features emerge in the transitions, when compared to classical simulations. For instance, the dispersive term inhibits the diffusive term, adding oscillations, which indicates that the absorption of the fluid by the porous medium occurs in a non-homogeneous manner. Therefore, based on research such as this, decisions can be made regarding the replacement of the porous medium or the insertion of new components to delay the replacement.

A Numerical Study on the Effect of the Backflow Hole Position on the Performances of a Self-Priming Pump

A self-priming pump is a centrifugal pump that has the ability to prime itself. Typically, its performance dependson the configuration of its reflux hole. In this study, the ANSYS FLUENT software is used to investigate the effectsof three different radial positions of the reflux hole on gas-liquid two-phase distribution, pressure pulsation, andimp during self-priming. The research results indicate that: (1) The effective channel size for the reflux liquid toenter the volute varies depending on the location of the reflux hole. The effect of the impeller rotation on thereflux liquid becomes more obvious as the setting distance of the reflux aperture decreases. (2) The position ofthe reflux hole significantly affects the gas phase mass fraction inside the impeller, resulting in a significant reductionin the time it takes for the mass fraction to exceed 80%. (3) The position of the reflux hole significantly affectsthe average pressure on each monitoring surface. (4) Placing the reflux hole at a excessively distant radial distancecan result in an excessive vertical component. (5) The self-priming performance of the pump can be improved tosome extent by placing the return hole at a small radial distance.

Numerical simulation and analysis of solid-liquid two-phase threedimensional unsteady flow in centrifugal slurry pump

Based on RNG k-ε turbulence model and sliding grid technique, solid-liquid two-phase three-dimensional(3-D) unsteady turbulence of full passage in slurry pump was simulated by means of Fluent software. The effects of unsteady flow characteristics on solid-liquid two-phase flow and pump performance were researched under design condition. The results show that clocking effect has a significant influence on the flow in pump, and the fluctuation of flow velocity and pressure is obvious, particularly near the volute tongue, at the position of small sections of volute and within diffuser. Clocking effect has a more influence on liquid-phase than on solid-phase, and the wake-jet structure of relative velocity of solid-phase is less obvious than liquid-phase near the volute tongue and the impeller passage outlet. The fluctuation of relative velocity of solid-phase flow is 7.6% smaller than liquid-phase flow at the impeller outlet on circular path. Head and radial forces of the impeller are 8.1% and 85.7% of fluctuation, respectively. The results provide a theoretical basis for further research for turbulence, improving efficient, reducing the hydraulic losses and wear. Finally, field tests were carried out to verify the operation and wear of slurry pump.

NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF 3-D DENSE SOLID-LIQUID TWO-PHASE TURBULENT FLOW IN A NON-CLOGGING MUD PUMP

A mathematical model is set to evaluate the 3-D dense solid-liquid two-phaseturbulent flow in a non-clogging mud pump, the flow feature in the impeller channel is simulatedwith the tool of IPSA. Meanwhile, resort to TECPLOT as the post-processor, the simulation results isvisualized. The results show the main flow characteristics: There exists backflow and aberrantvelocities at inlet area and a relative velocity slip between two phases; A jet-wake flow pattern isdiscerned around the shroud-suction side area; The relative velocity vector of solid phase iscloser to the pressure surface than that of liquid phase and the trend is more obvious with theincrease of diameter; The kinetic energy of turbulence k and the dissipation rate e reach theirpeaks at the corner of pressure and suction surface. The simulation results show a good agreementwith the experimental flow features in the impeller channel, which prove the turbulent model used isvalid and provide a theoretical design basis to non-clogging pumps.

Numerical simulation of predicting and reducing solid particle erosion of solid-liquid two-phase flow in a choke

Chokes are one of the most important components of downhole flow-control equipment. The particle erosion mathematical model, which considers particle-particle interaction, was established and used to simulate solid particle movement as well as particle erosion characteristics of the solid-liquid two-phase flow in a choke. The corresponding erosion reduction approach by setting ribs on the inner wall of the choke was advanced. This mathematical model includes three parts： the flow field simulation of the continuous carrier fluid by an Eulerian approach, the particle interaction simulation using the discrete particle hard sphere model by a Lagrangian approach and calculation of erosion rate using semiempirical correlations. The results show that particles accumulated in a narrow region from inlet to outlet of the choke and the dominating factor affecting particle motion is the fluid drag force. As a result, the optimization of rib geometrical parameters indicates that good anti-erosion performance can be achieved by four ribs, each of them with a height （H） of 3 mm and a width （B） of 5 mm equaling the interval between ribs （L）.

A Numerical Sirnulation of Gas-Particle Two-Phase Flow in a Suspension Bed Using DifFusion Flux Model

A mathematical modei of two-dimensional turbulent gas-particle twophase flow based on the modified diffusion flux modei (DFM) and a numerical simulation method to analyze the gas-particle flow structures are developed. The modified diffusion flux modei, in which the acceleration due to various forces is taken into account for the calculation of the diffusion velocity of particles, is applicable to the analysis of multi-dimensional gas-particle two-phase turbulent flow. In order to verify its accuracy and efficiency, the numerical simulation by DFM is compared with experimental studies and the prediction by k-ε-kp two-fluid modei, which shows a reasonable agreement. It is confirmed that the modified diffusion flux modei is suitable for simulating the multi-dimensional gas-particle two-phase flow.

NUMERICAL MODELING OF 3-D TURBULENT TWO-PHASE FLOW AND COAL COMBUSTION IN A PULVERIZED-COAL COMBUSTOR

In the present paper, a multifluid model of two-phase flows with pulverized-coal combustion, based on a continuum-trajectory model with reacting particle phase, is developed and employed to simulate the 3-D turbulent two-phase hows and combustion in a new type of pulverized-coal combustor with one primary-air jet placed along the wall of the combustor. The results show that: (1) this continuum-trajectory model with reacting particle phase can be used in practical engineering to qualitatively predict the flame stability, concentrations of gas species, possibilities of slag formation and soot deposition, etc.; (2) large recirculation zones can be created in the combustor, which is favorable to the ignition and flame stabilization.

Numerical simulation of the gas-solid two-phase flow inside the multi-channel nozzle for the surface nanocrystallization induced by the ultrasonic particulate peening

Using a gas-solid two-phase model(a discrete phase model),the authors investigated the flow field inside the multi-channel nozzle for surface nanocrystallization(SNC)induced by the ultrasonic particulate peening(USPP).By computation,the velocity fields of both the gas and the solid phases were simulated and the track of the solid phase was analyzed in detail.It can be found that the velocities of the two phases are able to reach an ultrasonic level;meanwhile,the dispersion width of the solid phase at the nozzle exit is less than that of the gas phase.When particle diameters are less than 5 μm,there is a decreasing trend in the dispersion width of the solid phase with an increase in particle diameters.The trend becomes stable as the particle diameters are greater than 5 μm;in the meantime,the distribution of solid particles is near the axis of the jet flow.The optimal standoff distance between the nozzle and the substrate in the process of USPP is about 120 mm.Simulation results can help improve the design of mass-production-oriented multi-channel nozzles for SNC induced by USPP.

NUMERICAL MODELING OF TURBULENTEVAPORATING GAS-DROPLET TWO-PHASE FLOWS IN AN AFTERBURNER DIFFUSOR OF TURBO-FAN JET ENGINES

The two-dimensional turbulent evaporating gas-droplet two-phase flows in an afterburner diffusor of turbo-fan jet engines are simulated by the k-ε turbulence model and the particle trajectory model. Comparison of predicted gas velocity and temperature distributions with experimental results for the cases without liquid spray shows pretty good agreement. Gas-droplet two-phase flow predictions give plausible droplet trajectories, fuel-vapor concentration distribution, gas-phase velocity and temperature field in presence of liquid droplets. One run of computation with this method is made for a particular afterburner. The results indicate that the location of the atomizers is not favorable to flame stabilization and combustion efficiency. The proposed numerical modeling can also be adopted for optimization design and performance evaluation of afterburner combustors of turbo-fan jet engines.

Simulation of Gas-Water Two-Phase Flow in Tight Gas Reservoirs Considering the Gas Slip Effect

A mathematical model for the gas-water two-phase flow in tight gas reservoirs is elaborated.The model can account for the gas slip effect,stress sensitivity,and high-speed non-Darcy factors.The related equations are solved in the framework of a finite element method.The results are validated against those obtained by using the commercial software CMG(Computer Modeling Group software for advanced recovery process simulation).It is shown that the proposed method is reliable.It can capture the fracture rejection characteristics of tight gas reservoirs better than the CMG.A sensitivity analysis of various control factors(initial water saturation,reservoir parameters,and fracturing parameters)affecting the production in tight gas wells is conducted accordingly.Finally,a series of theoretical arguments are provided for a rational and effective development/exploitation of tight sandstone gas reservoirs.

Lubrication properties of Nitinol 60 alloy used as high-speed rolling bearing and numerical simulation of flow pattern of oil-air lubrication

The friction and wear tests were performed using Nitinol 60 alloy pin sliding over GCr15 steel disk in a pin-on-disk tribometer system under PAO oil lubrication conditions. It was found that Nitinol 60 alloy can be lubricated well and has shown remarkable tribological performance. Average coefficient of friction （COF） of Nitinol 60 is 0.6 under dry friction; however, average COF decreases to 0.1 under PAO oil lubrication. SEM image of the worn surface shows that Nitinol 60 exhibits excellent wear resistance and the wear mechanism is mainly adhesive wear. Flow pattern of oil-air flow in oil pipe was simulated by FLUENT software with VOF model for acquiring working performance of oil-air lubrication. The optimum velocity of oil and air at the inlet was achieved, which provides the great proposal for the design of experiment of oil-air lubrication of Nitinol 60 alloy. The simulation results showed that the optimum annular flow of flow pattern was obtained when air velocity is 10 m/s and oil velocity is 0.05 m/s. The formation mechanism of annular flow was also discussed in the present study.

Numerical simulation on electrolyte flow field in 156 kA drained aluminum reduction cells

Based on the commercial CFD software CFX-4.3, two-phase flow of electrolyte in 156 kA drained aluminum reduction cells with a new structure was numerically simulated by multi-fluid model and k-ε turbulence model. The results show that the electrolyte flow in the drained cells is more even than in the conventional cells. Corresponding to center point feeding, the electrolyte flow in the drained cells is more advantageous to the release of anode gas, the dissolution and diffusion of alumina, and the gradient reduction of the electrolyte density and temperature. The average velocity of the electrolyte is 8.3 cm/s, and the maximum velocity is 59.5 cm/s. The average and maximum velocities of the gas are 23.2 cm/s and 61.1 cm/s, respectively. The cathode drained slope and anode cathode distance have certain effects on the electrolyte flow.

Two-dimensional Dynamics Simulation of Two-phase Debris Flow

To investigate the movement mechanism of debris flow, a two-dimensional, two-phase, depthintegrated model is introduced. The model uses Mohr-Coulomb plasticity for the solid rheology, and the fluid stress is modeled as a Newtonian fluid. The interaction between solid and liquid phases, which plays a major role in debris flow movement, is assumed to consist of drag and buoyancy forces. The applicability of drag force formulas is discussed. Considering the complex interaction between debris flow and the bed surface, a combined friction boundary condition is imposed on the bottom, and this is also discussed. To solve the complex model equations, a numerical method with second-order accuracy based on the finite volume method is proposed. Several numerical experiments are performed to verify the feasibilities of model and numerical schemes. Numerical results demonstrate that different solid volume fractions substantially affect debris flow movement.

Velocity Slip and Interfacial Momentum Transfer in the Transient Section of Supersonic Gas-Droplet Two-Phase Flows

Modelling and simulations are conducted on velocity slip and interfacial momentum transfer for supersonic two-pha.se (gas-droplet) flow in the transient section inside and outside a Laval jet(LJ). The initial velocity slip between gas and droplets causes an interfacial momentum transfer flux as high as (2.0-5.0) x 104 Pa. The relaxation time corresponding to this transient process is in the range of 0.015-0.090ms for the two-phase flow formed inside the LJ and less than 0.5ms outside the LJ. It demonstrates the unique performance of this system for application to fast chemical reactions using electrically active media with a lifetime in the order of 1 ms. Through the simulations of the transient processes with initial Mach number Mg from 2.783 to 4.194 at different axial positions inside the LJ, it is found that Mg has the strongest effect on the process. The momentum flux increases as the Mach number decreases. Due to compression by the shock wave at the end of the LJ, the flow pattern becomes two dimensional and viscous outside the LJ. Laser Doppler velocirneter (LDV) measurements of droplet velocities outside the LJ are in reasonably good agreement with the results of the simulation.

Numerical Study of Oil/Water Separation by Ceramic Membranes in the Presence of Turbulent Flow

Disposal of produced water during petroleum extraction causes serious environmental damage, hence the need to complete the water treatment before being disposed to environment within the criteria set established by environmental agencies in the countries. Ceramics membranes have been highlighted as a good device for separating oil/water. These act as a barrier to oil in the aqueous stream, because their essential properties for filtration, such as chemical inertness, biological stability and resistance to high temperatures. The limitation of the separation process is the decay of permeate flux during operation, due to concentration polarization and fouling. In this sense, this paper aims to evaluate numerically the feasibility of the process of separating oil/water by means of ceramic membranes in the presence of a turbulent flow induced by a tangential inlet. The results of the velocity, pressure and volumetric fraction distributions for the simulations different by varying the mass flow rate inlet and different geometric characteristics of the membrane are presented and analyzed.

Theoretical Evaluation of Two-Phase Flow in a Horizontal Duct with Leaks

The transport of oil and its derivates are done, mostly, by pipeline. The time to detect leaks has to be short for pre-venting big disasters in the nature and decreasing losses for industries. The techniques available for leak detection vary from visual inspection to the use of computational techniques such as mathematical modeling. This paper aims to study the fluid dynamics of two-phase flow (water-oil) in the pipe with leakage. The equations of the mass and momentum conservation are numerically solved by using the ANSYSCFX commercial code with the aid of a structured mesh of a horizontal pipe with three holes of leaks. The Eulerian-Eulerian model was adopted considering the oil as continuous phase and water as dispersed phase, and constant fluid properties. With profiles of pressure and volume fraction along the time in the pipe, the influence of leakage on the single-phase (oil) and two-phase (water-oil) was evaluated.

A hybrid scheme for computing incompressible two-phase flows

We propose a hybrid scheme for computations of incompressible two-phase flows. The incompressible constraint has been replaced by a pressure Poisson-like equation and then the pressure is updated by the modified marker and cell method. Meanwhile, the moment equations in the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are solved by our semidiscrete Hermite central-upwind scheme, and the interface between the two fluids is considered to be continuous and is described implicitly as the 0.5 level set of a smooth function being a smeared out Heaviside function. It is here named the hybrid scheme. Some numerical experiments are successfully carried out, which verify the desired efficiency and accuracy of our hybrid scheme.

Numerical Study on Instantaneous Discharge of Unsorted Particle Cloud in Cross Flow

The mixing characteristics of particles such as dredged sediment of variable size discharged into cross flow are studied by a 3D numerical modal, which is developed to model the particle-fluid two-phase flow. The Eulerian method with the modified k- ε parameterization of turbulence for the fluid phase is used to solve fluid phase, while a Lagrangian method for the sohd phase （particles）, both the processes are coupled through the momentmn sources. In the model the wake turbulence induced by particles has been included as additional source term in the k - ε model; and the variable drift velocities of the particles are treated efficiently by the Lagrangian method in which the particles are tracked explicitly and the diffusion process is approximated by a random walk model. The hydrodynamic behavior of dumping a cloud of particles is governed by the total buoyancy of the cloud, the drag force on each particle and the velocity of cross-flow. The computed results show a roughly linear relationship between the displacement of the frontal position and the longitudi- nal width of the particle cloud. The particle size in the cloud and the velocity of cross flow dominate the flow behavior. The computed results are compared with the results of laboratory experiments and satisfactory agreement is obtained.