COVENANT UNIVERSITY

CANAANLAND, OTA

PETROLEUM ENGINEERING LABOURATORY

FLOW THROUGH FLUIDIZED BED

BY

GOLLEY OGHENEMINE EXCEL (16CN021086)

DATE PERFORMED: 10-06-2021

DATE SUBMITTED: 16-06-2021

LIQUID PERMEABILITY DETERMINATION

Flow through Fluidized Bed 1
ABSTRACT
Fluid flow through porous media such as sand beds made of granular particles that are
stationary occurs frequently in the oil and gas industry, particularly in the drilling and production
process. The occurrence of sand beds as the well is being drilled and drilling fluid pumped
downhole form resistance to the flow of such fluids. Sand beds that are very closely packed have
low permeability. This obstruction and reduction of flow causes pressure drop downhole. It is for
this very reason, expressions able to predict pressure drop across beds resulting from the resistance
caused by the presence of granular particles are needed.
In this experiment, we observe the flow of tap water and the resultant pressure drop across
a sand bed made of a synthetic sand called Ballotini sand with the use of the Armfield W3
permeability Apparatus. From the resultant pressure drop observed from this experiment we
calculate the permeability of the ballotini sand bed with the use of Darcy equation and Kozeny-
Carman Equation.
The results gotten from this experiment and calculations reveal the porosity of the sand bed
to be 40%, Permeability to be 0.0000000047m2 and the average grain diameter of the sand bed to
be 0.0022m.

From these results it was confirmed that the grain size and grainsize distribution of the sand
beds encountered during the drilling process can greatly impact the porosity and permeability and
hence, the success of that drilling operation. Uniformly sorted grains result to an increased porosity
and permeability of the sand bed.

LIQUID PERMEABILITY DETERMINATION

Flow through Fluidized Bed 2
Table of Contents
ABSTRACT.................................................................................................................................... 2

LIST OF TABLES .......................................................................................................................... 4

LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................................ 4

CHAPTER 1 ................................................................................................................................... 5

Darcy’s law and Permeability ..................................................................................................... 5

AIM OF STUDY ......................................................................................................................... 6

OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................................. 6

CHAPTER 2 ................................................................................................................................... 7

1. W3 PERMEABILITY APPARATUS ................................................................................. 7

2. LAB THERMOMETER ...................................................................................................... 7

3. BEAKER This is a lipped cylindrical glass container used in the laboratory. .................... 8

MATERIAL ................................................................................................................................ 8

BALLOTINI ............................................................................................................................ 8

CHAPTER 3 ................................................................................................................................... 9

PRECAUTIONS ......................................................................................................................... 9

CHAPTER 4 ................................................................................................................................. 10

CHAPTER 6 ................................................................................................................................. 13

CHAPTER 7 ................................................................................................................................. 14

CHAPTER 5 ..................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

CHATER 6.....................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 15

LIQUID PERMEABILITY DETERMINATION

Flow through Fluidized Bed 3
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1: MEASURED PARAMETERS ................................................................................................11

LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1: ARMFIELD W3 PERMEABILITY APPARATUS .................................................................... 7
FIGURE 2: LAB THERMOMETER ........................................................................................................ 8
FIGURE 3: BEAKER ........................................................................................................................... 8
FIGURE 4: BALLOTINI ...................................................................................................................... 8

LIQUID PERMEABILITY DETERMINATION

Flow through Fluidized Bed 4
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

The study of fluid transport into and through porous rocks is of importance to many
scientific and engineering fields including petroleum and chemical engineering, geology,
hydrology, physics and so on. In order to accurately predict fluid transport through an given rock,
the knowledge of its porosity and permeability is critical.
Permeability and porosity are two (2) important factors determining the movement and
storing capacity of rocks for fluids (Rahmouni, Boulanouar, Boukalouch & Samaouali, 2014).
Permeability is the measure of the ability or the property of a porous media to transmit fluids or
permit the flow of fluids through it. With regards to rock formations, permeability is defined as
the relative ease of fluid flow via the network of pores.
As the well is further drilled, sand beds are frequently encountered. Sand beds are thick
compacted sand layers with often times low permeability that restrict the free flow of fluids
downhole. The occurrence of sand beds as the well is being drilled and drilling fluid pumped
downhole form resistance to the flow of such fluids. Sand beds that are very closely packed have
low permeability. This obstruction and reduction of flow causes pressure drop downhole.
It is therefore important to study the rate at which different fluids that can be pumped
downhole, flow through these beds and the resulting pressure drop that occur across such layers in
order to effectively combat such areas with drilling fluids of the right properties or enhance the
permeability of such beds. The pressure drop across beds made of small particles is a convenient
method to measure the external surface area of a fluid, say cement.
Darcy’s law and Permeability
In the year 1830, Darcy first carried out this experiment to determine the rate at which
water flows through porous beds varying in thickness from fountains. He discovered that the
average velocity at which the water passed through the beds was inversely proportional to both the
thickness of the beds and the driving pressure. It was concluded from this experiment that the rate
of fluid flow through a porous bed is dependent on the properties of the bed and the viscosity of
the flowing fluid ( Richardson, Harker & Backhurst, 1991).
This relation, termed Darcy’s law and confirmed by other scientists, can be written as
follows:
LIQUID PERMEABILITY DETERMINATION
Flow through Fluidized Bed 5
 𝐤𝐀 (𝐏𝟏 – 𝐏𝟐)
𝐐= µ.𝐋

where,

k = permeability (mD)
µ = viscosity (cp)
Q = flow rate (cc/sec)
L = length of core plug (cm)
A = cross-sectional area of flow (cm2)
(P1 – P2) = pressure change (psig)

In geological applications the darcy is commonly too large for practical purposes, so the millidarcy
(mD) is used, where 1000 mD = 1D (Paul Glover, 2012)

AIM OF STUDY
• This study aims to determine the flowrate and pressure drop across a synthetic sand bed

OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are as follows:
• To determine the pressure-drop readings for flow through packed beds.
• To determine the characteristics of the fluidized bed.
• To measure the permeability of selected bed (ballotini).

LIQUID PERMEABILITY DETERMINATION

Flow through Fluidized Bed 6
 CHAPTER 2
EXPERIMENTAL APPARATUS

1. W3 PERMEABILITY APPARATUS
The W3 permeability apparatus enables the testing of fluidization and permeability using
tap water and a porous granular media.

Figure 1: Armfield W3 Permeability Apparatus

DESCRIPTION
A porous bed of granular particles (in this experiment Ballotini was used) is placed in a
demountable tubing and water is made to flow downwards through the bed demonstrating
permeability or made to flow upward demonstrating fluidization. The base of the apparatus holds
a sieve which us used to retain the particles. Pressure drop can be measured via the pressure sensor
on the device. Transparency of the equipment enables easy observance of process.
2. LAB THERMOMETER
This is designed for laboratory use and is used to measure the temperatures other than the
human temperature.

LIQUID PERMEABILITY DETERMINATION

Flow through Fluidized Bed 7
 Figure 2: Lab Thermometer
3. BEAKER
This is a lipped cylindrical glass container used in the laboratory.

Figure 3: Beaker

MATERIAL
BALLOTINI
This is a synthetic sand with unique grain sizes. The grain sizes are fairly uniform. It is
used to analyze the flow of fluids in order to see the ability of the chosen fluid (in this case tap
water) to flow through it.

Figure 4: Ballotini

LIQUID PERMEABILITY DETERMINATION

Flow through Fluidized Bed 8
 CHAPTER 3
PROCEDURES
1. I calibrated the water manometer.
2. The valves of the manometer were positioned for downflow through the column.
3. Valve 1,2,3 and 4 were closed while valve 5 and 6 were left opened.
4. The porous media (ballotini) was consolidated as the length of the clear column was tapped
with a pencil gently.
5. The valve 4 was the drainage valve and it was placed into a beaker to receive all the
drainage water.
6. A thermometer was placed in the beaker to check the reading of the drainage water.
7. From the media surface, the level of the media and manometer water levels were noted
8. The valve 1 and 4 was opened to admit water into the column in a downflow direction and
four (4) flow readings were taken.
9. Temperature observations were taken trough the experiment and the mean temperature was
recorded.

PRECAUTIONS
1. I ensured there was no air trapped in the manometer while calibrating.
2. I ensured the water level of both tubes in the manometer were at the same point initially.
3. I ensured valve 4 was always open while taking readings.
4. I ensured to take readings from the manometer from the water levels lower meniscus.

LIQUID PERMEABILITY DETERMINATION

Flow through Fluidized Bed 9
 CHAPTER 4
RESULTS

Below are the specifications of the results obtained from this experiment
1. Mass of Ballotini (𝐌𝐦) = 0.5kg
2. Density of Ballotini (𝝆m ) = 2500kg/ m3
3. Length of permeable bed (ΔL) = 0.287m
4. Diameter of permeable bed (D) = 0.038m
5. Mean temperature of water (oC) = 27oC

From the parameters obtained above:

1.Density of water (ρω) obtained from the critical tables @27oC = 996.54 kg/m3
𝜋𝐷 2
2.Cross sectional area of flow (A) = 4

Where;
π = 3.142
D = 0.038
D2 = 0.00144m
3.142 𝑥 0.00144
A= = 0.001135m2
4
3.Bulk volume of material (V ) = A.L = 0.00033
B m3
4.Grain volume of material (V ) = (𝐌𝐦) = 𝟎.𝟓 = 0.0002
G m3
𝝆m 𝟐𝟓𝟎𝟎
5.Pore volume of material (V ) = V V
P B- G= 0.00013 m3
VP = 0.4 = 40
6.Porosity φ = VB

LIQUID PERMEABILITY DETERMINATION

Flow through Fluidized Bed 10
 7.Table of values:
Table 1: Measured parameters
S/ Flowrate- Flowrate- Volume Manome Manometer Manometer ∆𝑷
q (m3/sec) 𝐐
N q (v) = ter difference difference = 𝟗. 𝟖𝟏 ∗ ∆𝒉
𝑨
(cm3/min) 1cm3/min = readings (mmH2O) (mH2O) ∗ 𝝆𝒘
1.667x10- (mm)
8
m3/sec a b
1 0 0 0 8 198 116 1134.023
0.116
2
2 150 2.5E-06 0.002203 7 203 124 1212.231
0.124
9
3 300 0.000005 0.004407 7 211 135 1319.768
0.135
6
4 450 7.5E-06 0.00661 7 220 148 1446.856
0.148
2
5 600 0.00001 0.008814 6 231 163 1593.497
0.163
8
6 600 0.00001 0.008814 6 231 163 1593.497
0.163
8
7 450 7.5E-06 0.00661 7 221 149 1456.633
0.149
2
8 300 0.000005 0.004407 7 212 137 1339.32
0.137
5
9 150 2.5E-06 0.002203 7 203 125 1222.007
0.125
8
1 0 0 0 8 197 116 1134.023
0.116
0 1

LIQUID PERMEABILITY DETERMINATION

Flow through Fluidized Bed 11
8. Plot of pressure drop against Velocity

Plot of pressure drop (ΔP) against Velocity(V)

1800
y = 52352x + 1114.5
1600
1400
1200
Pressure Drop

1000
800
600
400
200
0
0 0.001 0.002 0.003 0.004 0.005 0.006 0.007 0.008 0.009 0.01
Volume

µ𝛥𝐿
9.Slope of the plot (m) = = 52353
𝑘𝐴
(µ𝑤∗ 𝛥𝑙 )
10.Permeability K = = 0.0000000047m2
𝐴𝑚
𝑑2 𝑥 𝜑
11.From Kozeny-carman equation: K= 180(1−𝜑)2, make Porosity subject and substitute K.

❖ Porosity(φ) = 0.4
(1−𝜑)2
❖ Average grain diameter, d = √180𝐾 = 0.0022m
𝜑

12. the following answers are obtained:

❖ Porosity (φ)= 40%
❖ Permeability (k) = 0.0000000047m2
❖ Average grain diameter (d) = 0.0022m

LIQUID PERMEABILITY DETERMINATION

Flow through Fluidized Bed 12
 CHAPTER 6
DISCUSSION
From the results of the experiment, it has been determined:
1. From the plot of pressure drop against volume it is revealed that the volume of fluid passed
through the sand bed is directly proportional to the pressure drop across the sand bed.
2. It was also observed that in accordance to the Kozeny-carman equation, that the
permeability of the sand bed is directly proportional to the grain size of the sand bed is i.e.,
the bigger the grain diameter, the higher its permeability for a uniformly grain-size sorted
sand bed.
3. From the results obtained, it was also implicated that if the grain size of the sand bed is not
uniformly sorted and varies in size, it would hinder permeability as the smaller grains
would plug the pore spaces thereby reducing the permeability.
4. Finally, it was observed that porosity of the sand bed was also proportional to the
permeability hence, the higher the more the pore spaces in the sand bed, the higher the
permeability for a sand bed with uniformly sorted grains.

LIQUID PERMEABILITY DETERMINATION

Flow through Fluidized Bed 13
 CHAPTER 7
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
It can be concluded from the results obtained from this study that the grain size distribution
of the sand bed encountered during processes such as drilling is important, as the grain size
distribution will affect the porosity and permeability of the sand bed. To ensure a successful
drilling process, it is desired that both permeability and porosity are high.

Also, the aim of this experiment was to determine the permeability of a synthetic sand bed
made of Ballotini sand with uniformly sorted grains using the Armfield Permeability Apparatus,
the aim of this experiment was successfully achieved.

Following the successful completion of this experiment, it has been validated that the
Armfield Permeability Apparatus can be used in the laboratories to successfully determine the
permeability and porosity of a sand bed.

Finally, I would recommend that a more sophisticated method for measuring permeability
and porosity of a sand bed to water be taught in institutions.

LIQUID PERMEABILITY DETERMINATION

Flow through Fluidized Bed 14
REFERENCES
1. Evaluation, F., & Glover, P. (n.d.). 3. 3.1 PERMEABILITY Theory. 21–31.

2.Flow of fluids through granular beds and packed columns. (1991). 191–236.
https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-08-049064-9.50015-1

3. Rahmouni, A., Boulanouar, A., Boukalouch, M., Samaouali, A., Geraud, Y., & Sebbani, J.
(2014). Porosity, permeability and bulk density of rocks and their relationships based on
laboratory measurements. Revista Romana de Materiale-Romanian Journal of Materials,
44(2), 147–152.

LIQUID PERMEABILITY DETERMINATION

Flow through Fluidized Bed 15