Title: An evaluation of thermodynamic models for temperature rise across a multiphase booster

Authors: Carl-Martin Carstensen; Kyrre Aarsand Grønstøl

Addresses: OneSubsea, Sandslikroken 140, N-5254, Norway ' OneSubsea, Sandslikroken 140, N-5254, Norway

Abstract: Multiphase boosting technology significantly enhances oil and gas field production by reducing backpressure on the wells. Various designs, including helico-axial pumps, twin-screw pumps, and contra-rotating axial compressors, are employed to efficiently handle multiphase streams of gas, oil, and water. This in-depth study investigates the thermodynamics governing temperature rise across boosters, a critical factor impacting mechanical integrity, flow assurance, and safety. Several models have been studied to calculate temperature rise. Among them, the cubic equation of state has emerged as the most accurate and robust. It determines discharge temperature based on enthalpy change across the booster and has been validated against datasets involving air/nitrogen and freshwater, and a hydrocarbon process at high gas fractions. For simpler mixtures like air and water, an ideal gas and incompressible liquid approach proves comparable to the generic model, but for complex hydrocarbon mixtures, accounting for non-ideality and phase transfer is essential to ensure model reliability.

Keywords: boosting; thermodynamic equilibrium; latent heat; Joule-Thomson compression.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPE.2024.142124

International Journal of Petroleum Engineering, 2024 Vol.4 No.2, pp.81 - 105

Received: 09 Jan 2024
Accepted: 28 Mar 2024
Published online: 08 Oct 2024 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article