Numerical Solution of Slug Flow using Differential Transform Method
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63746/njtd.v22i3.3326Keywords:
Multiphase Flow, Slug Flow, Differential Pressure, Flow Patterns, Flow Regimes, Differential Transform MethodAbstract
Multiphase flow is a regular occurrence in different industries, including petroleum, chemical and nuclear industries. In the petroleum sector, multiphase transportation of fluids is usually confronted by flow assurance challenges as a result of flow physics, pipeline geometry or terrain through which the transport pipelines are laid. Slug flow is a flow assurance issue encountered in multiphase transport conduits. It is a regular pattern in the oil and gas production process and can significantly impair production if not properly predicted and controlled. In this work, using the differential transform method (DTM), a simple but yet robust approach is proposed for the numerical solution of slug flow models. The results showed slug flow properties were predicted with average absolute relative errors of ±3-61% accuracy compared to existing models with a range of ±5-722 %. This suggests that DTM offers a tremendous benefit of computational efficiency as well as accurate prediction of slug flow characteristics. Unlike previous models that rely on computationally intensive numerical simulations or empirical correlations with higher error margins, this study introduces the Differential Transform Method (DTM) as a more computationally efficient and accurate alternative solution technique for slug flow models. The novelty of this approach lies in its ability to provide closed-form approximations with reduced computational cost while maintaining a high level of accuracy. This study represents one of the first applications of DTM in multiphase flow modeling, demonstrating its potential as a viable alternative to conventional methods. Although the developed model performs creditably well in slug flow characteristics prediction, it may find application in slug flow control studies.
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