L are sensitive to inclination angle.
The effect of inclination angle on
these variables eithcr has not been investigated adequately or has not
been incorporated into existing mechanistic models. Included are
such phenomena as variation in film thickness with inclination angle.
both in annular flow and in the Taylor-bubble region of slug flow; ef-
fect of inclination angle on entrainment fraction in annular flow; ef-
fect of inclination angle on Taylor-bubble-rise velocity; and effect of
coalescence of small bubbles along thc upper pipe wall for deviated
wells, in both bubbly flow and slug bodies.
Finally, no mechanistic models yet are available to predict the si-
multaneous tlow of gas, oil, and water in wellbores. Successful
L modeling must be gin with two-phase oíl/water flow before the more
complicated multiphase-flow behavior can be addressed. No prov-
en mechanistic models have been published for oil/water flow in
vertical or deviated wellbores. Analogous to gas/liquid tlow, the
modeling of oil/water flow-pattem transitions must first be accom-
plished. Only then can improved flow-behavior models be devel-
oped to predict pressure gradient. Eventually, mechanistic models
will be developed that are sufficiently accurate for a broad range of
gas, oil, and water flow rates, inclination angles, oil viscosities, and
both diameters and annulus configurations.
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