THEME: OIL & GAS TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE Sub-Theme: Multiphase Flow & Modeling 1.

0 INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND OF STUDY Multiphase flow in the petroleum industry begins inside the reservoir where gas, liquids and solids occur and interact simultaneously. It has been conventional industry practice to separate the individual phases (oil, gas, water, sand) at the surface and transport the hydrocarbon fluids along different pipeline routes for onward processing, storage and delivery to Point of Sale (POS). In the recent past, transportation of un-separated gasoil-water mixtures over quite long distances is now possible due to latest advancements in multiphase flow modeling and flow assurance technologies. According to the Norwegian Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), The term Flow Assurance covers broadly the same meaning as the term multiphase transport technology *(Neotec, 2006). The justification for this parallel should be obvious. Strictly speaking all of the flow phenomena surrounding us are multi-phase since no fluid is so clean it does not contain at least microscopic particles. Furthermore, as the fluid is conveyed through gathering networks and flow-lines the pressures and temperatures in these networks can lead to deposits of hydrates, waxes, asphaltenes or other solids, and corrosion or slugging can also disrupt the flow. Sometimes we encounter multi-phase flow in pipelines carrying what was intended to be dry gas, and this can affect flow assurance. In less severe cases it simply results in altered pipe friction or reduced gas quality delivered to the customer, but the flow can also become truly multi-phase. In oil pipelines, the presence of gas bubbles, water or particles can also make the flow multiphase. When we want to describe flow, one of the first challenges we face is therefore deciding whether we need a multi-phase model. Based on this assessment, the current work will feature Multiphase Flow Modeling as applicable to Domestic Gas Pipeline Distribution Networks in Nigeria. 1.2 PURPOSE AND INDUSTRIAL RELEVANCE The current value of Nigerias proven natural gas reserves is pegged at an estimated 189 trillion standard cubic feet. A mathematical model to simulate pipeline system operation, as well as the impact of design changes and equipment enhancements, is urgently needed for this huge system. The translation of this vast resource into economic value requires the installation and operation of extensive natural gas pipeline network infrastructure for gathering, transmission and distribution beyond what is currently available in the country. Principles of gas flow hydraulics will come into play as fluid is conveyed through considerable distances of pipeline subject to parametric variables of elevation, temperature, pressure, pipe wall friction, velocity, viscosity, etc. The quality of sales gas delivered at Point of Sale requires the engineering ability to simulate and predict multi-phase changes that may result during transportation and manipulation of operating conditions to guarantee flow assurance. It is against this backdrop that the current study will devise mathematically, multiphase simulation

models for flow simulation through Gas Transmission Systems comprising network of pipelines and compressor stations suitable for integration with SCADA systems for remote operations monitoring.

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW/PRIOR WORKS

Natural gas transportation via pipelines is at the heart of several projects both past and present pursued by the Nigerian government in partnership with Oil and Gas or Service companies for facilitating downstream domestic gas availability and distribution within the framework of Open Access Management for the existing and proposed pipeline networks. Mathematical modeling is one of the most important tools used to aid in design and operation studies. Abowei (2010) carried out a comprehensive study on Fluid Compositional Modeling of the ELPS (Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System) and EGDS (Eastern Area Gas Distribution System) as part of the dual phase intensive project on Instruments for Pipeline and Pipeline Network Operations Management. The systems under consideration actually operate in an unsteady nature, and although much effort has been and continues to be spent on unsteady mathematical models, many design problems can and will be solved by steady-state modeling. Many investigators have studied the problem of compressible fluid flow through pipelines and compressors. Some of these efforts are reported in the following sections: 2.1 STEADY STATE SOLUTIONS For pipelines, the most commonly used equations by gas gathering and transmission companies for steady-state calculations are the Weymouth equation and the Panhandle equations. Some investigations that have focused on steady-state simulation are listed below.

(Weymouth Equation)

(Panhandle A Equation)

(Panhandle B Equation) Where, Q = gas flow rate, standard, (m3/day)

L = pipe length, km D = inside diameter pipe, mm. P1 = upstream pressure, kPa (absolute). P2 = downstream pressure, kPa (absolute). Pb = base pressure, kPa (absolute). Tb = base temperature, K Tf = average flowing temperature of gas, K G = gas specific gravity (air = 1.00) Z = gas compressibility factor at the flowing temperature and pressure, dimensionless E = pipeline efficiency expressed as a decimal value 0.1 Rhoads (1983), Ouyang and Aziz (1996) and Schroeder (2001) described the equations which govern the flow of compressible fluids through pipes. General flow equations of simple form are developed to account for the pressure drops due to friction, elevation and kinetic energy. Stoner (1969, 1972) presented a new method for obtaining a steady-state solution of an integrated gas system model made up of pipelines, compressors, control valves and storage fields. He used Newton-Raphson method for solving nonlinear algebraic equations. Berard and Eliason (1978) developed a computer program that simulated steady-state gas transmission networks using the Newton-Raphson method for solving nonlinear equation. Their program has several features that facilitate efficient, accurate simulation of large nodal systems, including 1) optimal number of nodes, 2) implicit compressor fuel gas consumption calculation, 3) the ability to prorate equally gas volumes entering the network system, and 4) gas temperature distribution calculation. Hoeven and Gasunie (1992) described some mathematical aspects of gas network simulation using a linearization technique. Tian and Adewumi (1994) used a one-dimensional compressible fluid flow equation without neglecting the kinetic energy term to determine the flow of natural gas through a pipeline system. This equation provides a functional relationship between the gas flow rates and the inlet and outlet pressure of a given section of pipe; assuming constant temperature and compressibility factor that then describes steady state compressible flow of gas. Costa et al. (1998) provided a steadystate gas pipeline simulation. In this simulation, the pipeline and compressors are selected as the building elements of a compressible flow network. The model of a pipeline again uses the one-dimensional compressible flow equation to describe the relationship between the pressure and temperature along the pipe, and the flow rate through the pipe. The flow equation and the conservation of energy equation are solved in a coupled fashion to investigate the differences between isothermal, adiabatic and polytropic flow conditions. The compressors are modeled by
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simply employing a functional relationship between the pressure increase and the mass flow rate of gas through the compressor. Rios-Mercado et al. (2001) presented a reduction technique for solving natural gas transmission network optimization problems. These results are valid for steady-state compressible flow through a network pipeline. The decision variables are the mass flow rate through each arc (pipeline segment), and the gas pressure level at each pipeline node. Martinez-Romero et al. (2002) described steady-state compressible flow through a pipeline. They presented a sensibility analysis for the most important flow equations defining the key parameters in the optimization process. They used the software package Gas Net, which is based in Stoners method with improvements for solving the system of equations. The basic mathematical model assumed a gas network with two elements: nodes and nodes connectors. The connectors represent elements with different pressures at the inlet and outlet, such as pipes, compressors, valves, and regulators. Cameron (1999) presented TFlow using an Excel-based model for steady state and transient simulation. TFlow comprises a user interface written in Microsoft Excels Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) and a dynamic linked library (DLL) written in C++. All information needed to model a pipeline system is contained in an Excel workbook, which also displays the simulation result. The robustness for general applications, however, is not readily apparent. Greyvenstein and Laurie (1994) used the well-known SIMPLE algorithm of the Patankar method (Patankar, 1980), which is known in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), to deal with pipe network problems. Special attention is given to the solution of the pressure correction equation, the stability of the algorithm, sensitivity to initial conditions and convergence parameters. 2.2 UNSTEADY-STATE SOLUTION Wylie et al. (1971) presented a central implicit finite difference method and compared this method with the method of characteristics. They showed that the implicit method is very accurate for large time steps and so in the implicit procedure the maximum practical time increment is limited by the frequency of the variables imposed at the boundary conditions, rather than by a stability criterion as in the method of characteristics. Tanaka (1983) introduced the notion of inside, outside and selected sections of the gas pipeline from the viewpoint of applying suitable boundary condition at the inlet and outlet ends of the pipe. Santos (1997) discussed the importance of a transient simulation and the advantages of using a transient simulation. He notes that transient simulation is not only an
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excellent tool for training operations personnel, but it can also act as a helpful tool in online systems. He emphasizes its use in the design phase of a gas pipeline. This paper focuses on a single line gas pipeline without storage facilities and with a flow demand that varies with respect to time on an hourly basis so as to show a behavior that could not be considered as a steady-state flow. Mohitpour et al. (1996) presented the importance of a dynamic simulation on the design and optimization of pipeline transmission systems. In this paper, the authors explain that steady-state simulations are sufficient for optimizing a pipeline when supply/demand scenarios are relatively stable. In general, steady-state simulations will provide the designer with a reasonable level of confidence when the system is not subject to radical changes in mass flow rates on operating conditions. In reality, the mass flow rate changes, hence the most useful and general simulation is one that allows transient behavior. Price et al. (1996) presented a method to determine the effective friction factor and overall heat transfer flow conditions in the pipeline. This transient flow model was based on a numerical solution of the one-dimensional unsteady flow equations (continuity, momentum and energy), which were discretized using a highly accurate compact finite difference scheme. The work simulated the pipeline in transient mode without considering the effects of turbulent flow. Zhou and Adewumi (1995) presented a new method for solving one dimensional transient natural gas flow in a horizontal pipeline without neglecting any terms in the conservation of momentum equation. In simulating transient flow of single-phase natural gas in pipelines, most of the previous investigators neglected the inertia term in the momentum equation. This renders the resulting set of partial differential equations linear. Numerical methods previously used to solve this system of partial differential equations include the method of characteristics and a variety of explicit and implicit finite difference schemes. Neglecting the inertia term in the momentum equation will definitely result in a loss of accuracy of the simulation results.

2.3 MOTIVATION AND OBJECTIVES OF PRESENT STUDY The deployment of mathematical modeling to simulate varieties of gas pipeline architecture bears significant cost-saving implications for the real field application. Most previous works have addressed mainly single-phase flow and limited their model considerations to mass, momentum and energy conservation equations. The present

work will develop holistically, multi-phase flow using the four (4) main equations for transient multi-phase flow with N phases, viz: 1) 2) 3) 4) Mass conservation Momentum conservation Energy conservation Mass transfer between phases

The general form of each equation is, respectively:

(2.1)

(2.2)

(2.3)

(2.4)

Thereafter, the hypothetical model results will be simulated using contemporary programming language (VBA) to evaluate flow parameters at varying temperatures and
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pressures for multiple pipeline and compressor station configurations respectively. The models will equally be used to monitor and diagnose phase changes that are detrimental to flow. This is the ultimate goal of Flow Assurance service providers to Oil and Gas companies.

3.0 METHODOLOGY OF PROPOSED STUDY The proposed approach for adoption in the current study will entail a stratified, taskbased research and development targeted at the following deliverables:

Mathematical formulation for the simulation models (mass flows, energy flows, multi-phase flow regime analysis, gas velocity, pressure drop, etc) for various pipeline and compressor station configurations respectively. Development of optimization algorithm

Writing of VBA code and software implementation Development of control modules Evaluation and Analysis of Domestic Gas Pipeline Events Comparisons, conclusion and recommendations.

3.1 PROCEDURE FOR DATA COLLECTON AND ANALYSIS A field survey targeted at existing Domestic Gas Transmission/Distribution Pipeline Networks will be undertaken by study team subject to written approval by Operators as a means of outsourcing for design data suitable for testing model formulations. Model results will be justified via comparison with bona fide operational gas pipeline data where available. Flash calculations and Flow Assurance calculations under steady-state mode shall be performed for detection of phase changes and the results compared with transient flow conditions from VBA programming. Key design parameters for compliance monitoring shall include Flow rate, temperature, pressure, hold-up, vapour phase fraction, friction factor, gas superficial velocity, etc. Algorithmic Flow Chart detailing procedural approach to obtaining mathematical model simulation solutions is given below:

Fig. 3.1 Algorithmic Flow Chart of Simulation Procedure 3.2 ESTIMATED PROJECT TIME-FRAME
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The proposed study is research intensive, computationally rigorous, spatially robust and subject to nonlinearized probability distribution in the time domain. However, the project scope shall be discretized and tentatively accorded milestone deliverables in consonance with the following Gantt chart:

Actual Months M1 M2 M3

1st July 17th July 11

18th July 21st August 11 22nd August 14th Sept 11

M1

Mathematical formulation for the simulation models (mass flows, energy flows, multi-phase flow regime analysis, gas velocity, pressure drop, etc) for various pipeline and compressor station configurations respectively. Development of optimization algorithm Writing of VBA code, software development and implementation Development of control modules Evaluation and Pipeline Events Analysis of Domestic Gas

M2

M3

Comparisons, conclusion and recommendations.

Fig. 3.2 Gantt chart of Project Time Schedule 3.3 CAPACITY BUILDING COMPONENTS OF RESEARCH

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Modeling and simulation are indispensable skills to the modern engineer and given the enormous computing speed of the computer in recent times, it has proven invaluable in solving complex multifaceted problems for the energy industries in real time without interfering with operations. The present study anchors firmly on these fundamental skills for helping industries deal with multiphase flow conditions that arise during transportation of hydrocarbons. Unfortunately, it can be verified that the aforementioned skills are barely taught in our institutions, partly because they require knowledge of computer programming which lies in the domain of advanced computer users. The result has been a gross lack of software computing prowess by most graduate engineers today. The current study will amply bridge this knowledge gap for graduate engineers, scientists and others who yearn for self-development in these crucial, invaluable competencies. That, in turn, will increase their self-esteem and potential to attract employers attention in the highly competitive job market. Flow assurance engineers will derive the most benefit from this work as the challenges posed by multiphase flow continue to push Oil and Gas researchers to the limit. Flow assurance ensuring the fluid flows as intended in a pipe or a well relies on wellestablished sciences like fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, discrete mathematics, automation, and computer science. A thorough grasp of the principles behind multiphase fluid flow promises to drive technological advancement towards adequately mitigating flow assurance problems in our industries. As we can imagine, the benefits will be enormous.

4.0 PROJECT COST ESTIMATE

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Research budget for the proposed study is concisely presented in the accompanying table:

S/N 1. 2.

ACTIVITY Technical Negotiation for the Proposal

AMOUNT (N) 150,000.00

Mobilization of study team/support staff and 735,000.00 institutional charges Critical evaluation of multiphase flow functional parameters via Dimensional Analysis 380,000.00 methodology Preliminary testing of functional parameters with pre-existing industrial models

3.

4.

400,000.00

5.

Deployment of matching functional parameters for development of rigorous multiphase 450,000.00 mathematical models Investigation of existing pipeline and 1,350,000.00 compressor station configurations for debottlenecking of developed models in preparations for simulation Development of VBA programming modules/codes for multiphase model simulation 1,500,000.00 and graphical solutions presentation Development of control modules for pipeline 1,650,000.00 network configuration Evaluation and Analysis of Domestic Gas pipeline events

6.

7.

8.

9. 10.

1,180,000.00

Outsourcing of operational design data for 2,050,000.00 models validation; Presentation of detailed results; indication of measures to improve

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multiphase models in future research 11. Reporting/Documentation 500,000.00

TOTAL

N 10,345,000.00

5.0 CONCLUSION The outcome of the research project using proposed multiphase modeling and simulation techniques vis--vis validation using industry data is expected to produce reproducible results for ;
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Flow description within domestic gas transmission/distribution pipeline networks in Nigeria Predictive diagnosis of multiphase changes during hydrocarbon transportation via pipeline networks.

In addition, recommendations derived from simulation results will enhance flow control and drive the development of better flow assurance technologies for mitigating problems associated with pipeline transportation of hydrocarbon resources with tremendous economic benefits in view.

6.0 REFERENCES
1. Abowei, M.F.N. (2010), Instruments for Pipeline and Pipeline Network

Operations Management, Ministry of Petroleum Resources Consultancy Report I, Contract 050210 (Ref: MPS/2115/S.36/T), Abuja, Nigeria.

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2. Neotec (2006), Flow Assurance, Available: http://neotec.com 3. Berard, G.P., and Eliason, B.G., 1978, An Improved Gas Transmission System

Simulator, Society of Petroleum Engineers Journal, Dec., pp. 389-398.

4. Cameron, I., 1999, Using An Excel-Based Model for Steady State and Transient

Simulation, 31st Annual Meeting Pipeline Simulation Interest Group (PSIG), Oct. 20-22, St. Louis, Missouri.
5. Costa, L.H, de Medeiros, J.L., and Pessoa, F.L.P, 1998, Steady State Modeling

and Simulation of Pipeline Networks for Compressible Fluids, Brazilian Journal of Chemical Engineering, Vol.15, No.4.
6. Greyvenstein, G.P., and Laurie, D.P., 1994, A Segregated CFD Approach to

Pipe Network Analysis, International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, Vol. 37, pp. 3685-3705.
7. Hoeven, T.V., and Gasunie, N.V.N., 1992, Some Mathematical Aspects of Gas

Network Simulation, 24th Annual Meeting Pipeline Simulation Interest Group (PSIG), Oct. 22-23, Corpus Christi, Texas.
8. Martinz-Romero, N., Osorio-Peralta, O., and Santamaria-Vite, I., 2002, Natural

Gas Network Optimization and Sensibility Analysis, Proceedings of the SPE International Petroleum Conference and Exhibition of Mexico, Feb. 10-12, pp. 357-370.
9. Mohitpour, M., Thompson, W., and Asante, B., 1996, Importance of Dynamic

Simulation on the Design and Optimization of Pipeline Transmission Systems, Proceedings of the International Pipeline Conference, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Vol.2, pp. 1183-1188.
10. Price, G.R, McBrien, R.K., Rizopoulos, S.N., and Golshan, H., 1996, Evaluating

the Effective Friction Factor and Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient During Unsteady Pipeline Operation, Proceedings of the International Pipeline Conference, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Vol.2, pp. 1175-1182.
11. Rhoads, G.A., 1983, Which Flow Equation - Does it Matter? 15th Annual

Meeting Pipeline Simulation Interest Group (PSIG), Oct. 27-28, Detroit, Michigan. Simulation Interest Group (PSIG), Oct. 27-28, Detroit, Michigan.
12. Rios-Mercado, R.Z., Suming, W., Ridgway, S., and Boyd, A., 2001, A Reduction

Technique for Natural Gas Transmission Network Optimization Problems, Annals of Operation Research, Vol. 117, pp. 217-234.

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13. Santos, S.P., 1997, Transient Analysis, A Must in Gas Pipeline Design, 29th

Annual Meeting Pipeline Simulation Interest Group (PSIG), Oct. 15-17, Tucson, Arizona.
14. Stoner, M.A., 1969, Steady- State Analysis of Gas production Transmission and

Distribution Systems, Society of Petroleum Engineers of AIME, SPE 2554.

15. Stoner, M.A., 1972, Sensitivity Analysis Applied to a Steady-State Model of

Natural Gas Transportation Systems, Society of Petroleum Engineers Journal, Apr., pp. 115-125.
16. Tanaka, T., 1983, A Computer Simulation of Unsteady-State Gas Flow in

Pipeline, J. Japan Petrol. Inst. No. 26, pp.67-77.

17. Tian, S. and Adewumi, M.A., 1994, Development of Analytical Design Equation

for Gas Pipelines, SPE Production & Facilities, pp. 100-106.

18. Wylie, E.B., Stoner, M.A., and Streeter, V.L., 1971, Network System Transient

Calculation by Implicit Methods, Society of Petroleum Engineers Journal, Dec., pp. 356-362.
19. Zhou, J. and Adewumi, M.A., 1995, Simulation of Transient Flow in Natural Gas

Pipelines, 27th Annual Meeting Pipeline Simulation Interest Group (PSIG), Oct. 18-20, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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