Title: Evaluating the Effect of Changing Tubing Sizes on Pressure Traverses and Flow Regime along the Wellbore
Authors: Isaac Eze Ihua-Maduenyi, Robin Nyemenim Abu, Victoria Akuchukwu Umejuru
Volume: 9
Issue: 3
Pages: 9-16
Publication Date: 2025/03/28
Abstract:
Changing tubing sizes on pressure traverses and flow regime along the wellbore emphasizes the need for precise tubing size selection to ensure efficient production and wellbore stability, advocating for the use of simulation tools to optimize well design. This study evaluates the effect of tubing size on pressure traverses and flow regimes along the wellbore using simulations conducted with PROSPER well modeling software. The research highlights the significant role that tubing size plays in oil and gas production, influencing pressure distribution and flow characteristics such as laminar, turbulent, or transitional flow regimes. The results for the pressure traverses, shows that as tubing size increases, the bottomhole flowing pressure decreases. For example, at a wellhead pressure of 250psig, tubing sizes of 2.441 inches to 4.052 inches resulted in bottomhole pressures ranging from 1210.86psig to 595.08psig. It also for flow regimes, reveals that the well's operating point often falls within the annular flow regime for tubing sizes 2.441, 2.992, and 3.458 inches, but in the bubble flow regime for the 4.052-inch tubing. The flow regime map analysis showed that smaller tubing sizes tend to reduce liquid loading tendencies, whereas larger tubing sizes may cause gas slippage and complicate operations. Again, the results suggest that selecting the appropriate tubing size is crucial for optimizing well production rates, minimizing pressure losses, and reducing the risk of operational inefficiencies.