Investigation of the radial uniform and variable inflow profiles to improve production in the perforated horizontal wellbore

Abstract

This study delved into the efficacy of enhanced oil production (EOP) within perforated horizontal wellbores across diverse flow profiles. The authors implemented five distinct configurations, encompassing uniform radial air injection (profile 1) and variable radial air injection (profiles 2–5), with a particular emphasis on the concomitant production of liquid and air phases. Additionally, the study examined the frictional behavior along the perforated wellbore. Liquid production was demonstrably amplified throughout the bubble, plug, and slug flow regimes; however, a decline was observed in the stratified, stratified transition, and stratified wave flow regimes. Notably, the liquid product exhibited a direct correlation with both the mixture flow rate and its associated Reynolds number, signifying an increase with holdup and a decrease with void fraction. Conversely, air production displayed a positive association with a higher air flow rate. Overall, profiles 2 and 4 yielded the most favorable production during the bubble, plug, slug, and stratified flow regimes. In contrast, profile 3 emerged as the optimal configuration for the stratified transition and stratified wave flow regimes. The friction factor remained relatively constant with profile 1, experienced a reduction in profile 2, and exhibited an escalation in profile 3. Additionally, it increased in the middle of profile 4 and decreased at the center of the perforated section in profile 5. The friction factor behavior of profile 1 remained stable and smooth due to the invariant air flow rate throughout the perforated section. Conversely, some fluctuation was observed in profile 2 due to the inherent variability of the radial air injection along the perforated section. Importantly, the experimental and numerical results demonstrated satisfactory agreement across all flow patterns, with some minor discrepancies noted in the static pressure drop behavior during the bubble, dispersed bubble, and slug flow regimes.