Abstract

PEREIRA, F.A.R.; ATAIDE, C.H.  and  BARROZO, M.A.S.. CFD Approach using a discrete phase model for annular flow analysis. Lat. Am. appl. res. [online]. 2010, vol.40, n.1, pp.53-60. ISSN 0327-0793.

Fluid flows in annular regions are highly relevant in the oil industry. As a result of the ever more frequent need to increase production capacity, increasingly greater flows are applied in oil wells. However, this has led to load losses along the annular borehole/shaft, which represent a significant portion of the total energy to be supplied. Hence, the determination of these losses plays an important role in the design of these units. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), this work investigates the field of viscoplastic fluid flows in annular spaces based on analysis of the profiles of pressure drop, entrance length, axial and tangential velocities, and on the flow path prediction. These variables are usually considered relevant for an understanding of well drilling mudflow and the particles transported by it. The predictive ability of the technique utilized here was confirmed by its congruence with the experimental pressure drop data and with the literature.

Keywords : CFD; Helicoidal; Anullar Flow; Discrete Fase Model; Non-Newtonian; Flow Path.

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