Abstract
Flow characteristics (e.g. flow pattern, slug frequency and Froude number) in 45 degree pipeline and the effect of inclination on corrosion rates in 0°, 3° and 45° inclination were investigated using a 10.16 cm diameter, 36 m long, multiphase flow loop. Superficial liquid velocities between 0.5 and 1.5 m/s and superficial gas velocities between 2 and 6 m/s were studied. Light condensate oil with a viscosity of 2.5 cP was used and brine cut was 80%. The experiments were undertaken at pressures of 0.12 and 0.3 MPa and temperatures of 25 and 58 °C with carbon dioxide as the gas.
Visual observations showed that the flow is substantially changed when the pipeline is set at a 45 degree inclination. It was noticed that back flow of liquid film between slugs was observed, which led to a higher slug frequency and higher Froude number. It was also seen that continuous whirling motion occurred between slugs, which led to higher turbulence in 45 degree inclination.
The corrosion rates for both bottom and top of the pipes increased significantly when the pipeline inclination was changed from 3 degrees to 45 degrees. This is due to the fact that the slug frequency and the intensity of turbulence in 45 degrees are much higher. Comparisons of temperature, pressure and inclination on corrosion rates are discussed in this paper.
