Chokes

Types
Reasons
Basics of Operations
Application

Most Common Chokes

Positive:
Fixed orifice
Disassemble to change bean

Adjustable
Provides variable orifice size through external
adjustment

Schematic of an
adjustable choke

Restriction

A choke is a restriction in a
flow line that causes a
pressure drop or reduces the
rate of flow. It commonly
uses a partially blocked
orifice or flow path.

Variable Chokes - good

for bringing wells on
gradually and
optimizing natural gas
lift flow in some cases.

Prone to washouts from

high velocity, particles,
droplets.

Solutions - hardened
chokes (carbide
components), chokes in
series, dual chokes on

Beans are fixed (non adjustable) orifices ID size is in 64ths of an inch.

ID

Choke Uses

Control Flow achieve liquid lift

Maximize use best use of gas (lift?)
Protect equipment abrasion and erosion
Cleanup best use of backflow energy
Control circulation holds a back pressure
Control pressures at surface (during flow)
Control injection on injection line

Pressure Drop
Action

Detriments

Increased velocity (from

gas expansion)

Flashing hydrocarbon
light ends lost (value lost)

Vaporization (flashing) of
light ends to gas

Cavitation erosion of
surfaces in and around
choke

Vaporization of water

Cavitation
Cooling of gas
Some heating of liquids

Erosion solids, droplets

and bubbles in high velocity
flow
Freezing expansion of
gasses cools the area
refrigeration principle

Pressure around the choke

Inlet or well
pressure, P1
Pressure drop through
the orifice

Pressure recovery , P2

Problems
The larger the difference between the inlet
and outlet pressures, the higher the potential
for damage to the internals of the choke.
When DP ratio (= DP/P1) rises above 0.6,
damage is likely. Look at choke type,
materials of construction, and deployment
methods (multiple chokes needed in series?)

Cavitation During Liquid Flow

Ultra low pressure region in and

immediately below choke causes bubble
to form from vaporizing liquid, Recovery
of pressure causes bubble to collapse; i.e.,
cavitation
Imploding
bubbles
and shock
waves

The rapid collapse of the bubbles

causes high velocity movement of
liquid and damage around the site.
Pressure recovery line limit of damage

VENA Contracta Phenomenon

P
r P1
e
s
s
u
r
e

Delta P
P2
Recovery

Distance Flow Traveled

The consequences of the low pressure region in the choke can lead to
severe problems with cavitation and related flashing (vaporization).

Flashing During Liquid Flow

Vaporization of light ends, but no

significant damage in this region since
pressure recovery not above vapor
pressure, hence bubbles dont collapse.

Pressure recovery occurs downstream,

damage location from high velocity?

Freezing
Expansion of gas (and solutions containing gas)
cools the surroundings. Excessive temp losses and
presence of water vapor can form an ice plug and
block flow.
P1 T1

Press
Temperature
dP

Freezing Pt
T2

P2

Recovery
Recovery
Distance Traveled

Temperature drop
across a choke is
about 1oF for
each atmosphere
of pressure drop.

Throttling Methods

Needle and seat

Multiple orifice
Fixed Bean
Plug and Cage
External Sleeve

Needle and Seat

Simplest and least expensive adjustable
Best for pressure control
High Capacity

Multiple Orifice
Quick open and close
Good rate and pressure control
An in-line instrument

Fixed Bean
Best when infrequent change needed
Used mostly on trees

Plug and Cage

High capacity
Good control

External Sleeve
Superior Erosion Resistance
Minimizes Body Erosion

Choke Sizing
Control the flow maximize production
Minimized vibration damage
Minimize erosion damage

Choke Selection based on application and

sizing.

Choke Selection (continued)

Fluid liquid, gas, or GOR of mix.
Pressure both pressure drop and total
pressure
Temperature range of acceptable
temperatures during service
Solids in flow
Droplets, bubbles
Scale and organic deposit potential

Choke Sizing
Cv = coefficient value
Number of gallons of water per minute that will
pass through a restriction with a pressure drop
of 1 psi at 60oF.
Used as the flow capacity index
Does not correspond to a specific throttling
method.

Choke Size
Choke
Calculation (inches)
Example
4/64
Note: for
accuracy the
upstream press
must be twice
downstream
press.

6/64
7/64
8/64
9/64
10/64
12/64
16/64
24/64
32/64

Bore Diam
(inches)

Choke Coefficient
MCF/D/PSIA

0.0625
0.0938
0.1094
0.1250
0.1406
0.1563
0.1865
0.2500
0.3750
0.5000

0.08
0.188
0.261
0.347
0.444
0.553
0.802
1.470
3.400
6.260

Example: a well is flowing through a 10/64 choke at 2175 psig WHP.

What is the dry gas flow rate?
2175 psig = 2190 psia. Choke coeff. for 10/64 = 0.553
Gas rate = 2190 x 0.553 = 1211 mcf/d

Flow rate estimation by the pressure

and choke size for dry gas.
Qest. = 24 * (P1+15) * Choke size2/1000
For a tubing pressure of 4000 psi and a 24/64
choke, the gas flow estimate is:
Qest. = (24 * (4000+15) * (0.375)2 ) / 1000
Qest. = 13 to 14 mmscf/d

Erosion - damage caused by impingement of particles, droplets,

bubbles and even liquid on any solid surface at high velocity.

To reduce erosion, slow down the velocity.

A choke is required for throttling, never
use a gate valve. If wells must be brought
on line without a choke, use the outer wing
valve if rated for the job.
Partly open valve an erosion area

Erosion in a positive of bean

choke from micron sized
fines and high velocity gas
flow.

Typical flow patterns (and

erosion) in a bean choke.

Erosion at the exit

flange

JPT, March 1998

The velocity profile and pressure drop across a choke with a large
pressure drop opportunity for erosion is very high.

JPT, March 1998

One solution to the problem is to take the pressure drop in series and
hold a slight backpressure. For example, a 1000 to 0 psi pressure drop
produces a 68 fold expansion in gas volume, while a 1500 to 500 psi
pressure drop produces a 3 fold gas volume expansion.

JPT, March 1998

Quiz Choke Sizing

A dry gas well flows at 12 mmscf/d with a
well head pressure of 2200 psi. Select a
choke size and a down stream pressure that
will allow flow but not create damage
through the choke.