Numerical Simulations of Riser Gas Behavior in Non-Aqueous Muds Using a Modified Drift Flux Model

Abstract

Real-time prediction of riser gas behavior is of great importance in well control. Single bubble models have, thus far, been used to describe gas-in-riser events and define riser equilibrium. These models have however not considered the transient nature of desorption of gas influx from non-aqueous fluids (NAFs) during migration or circulation in a riser. This paper uses a modified drift-flux model (DFM) to more properly describe gas-in-riser events by incorporating time-dependent mass transfer processes in NAFs. In this paper, we modified the DFM to account for the gas-liquid mass transfer due to the time dependent desorption of the gas phase. The advection upstream splitting model (AUSMV) hybrid scheme was used to solve the model. The time dependent mass transfer is calculated using a kinetic model developed based on recent experimental data. The capability of this model to improve riser gas management is demonstrated using a case study and the simulations are compared to when mass transfer between gas influx and NAF is not considered. Results also show that the severity of unloading and depth of the riser equilibrium can be underestimated if a time dependent desorption is not considered. The concept of riser equilibrium has been, thus far, developed without due consideration of mass transport of gas phase in the mud. This paper factors in the time-dependent desorption of the gas phase in the mud for a more realistic prediction of riser gas unloading events.