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 Non-Darcy Gas Flow: From Lab to Field Prediction
D. Milton-Tayler, FracTech Ltd., SPE Member
This paper shows that the inertial flow coefficient, β, is independent of gas type in both consolidated and unconsolidated porous media. Therefore, lab data gathered with nitrogen can be appropriately applied to the field for dry gas production. (Significant adjustments for condensate or water production are required!)
Additionally, this paper confirms that the beta factor can be underestimated at low flowrates. A transition period is observed between non-Darcy and fully developed inertial flow. Beta approaches a constant value at higher flowrates; as long as laboratory tests are conducted in a fully developed inertial flow regime, the data can be applied to the field. |
