Single Phase Fluid Flow

The University of Texas Inclinable Multiphase Flow Loop

Introduction

In 1986 the University of Texas Petroleum Engineering Department built a facility to study multi-phase fluid behavor in pipes. The flow loop includes two large tanks (one containing water and the other oil), three pumps, an air compressor, and two clear plexi-glass pipes of two different diameters. The larger pipe is 7-1/4" ID and the smaller is 2-1/2" ID. The loop is forty feet long and can be placed horizontal or can be lifted to any angle, and ultimately to a vertical position. The entire loop is a self-contained, closed system. The fluids travel through one pipe and return in the opposite direction through the other pipe. When the flow loop is in a vertical position, the fluids can move upward through either pipe and return through the other. This allows for a wide variety of experiments.

Flow Loop Capabilities

It is possible to study the flow of oil, water,
and gas (air) mixtures at rates up to:

5000 barrels/day of oil 5000 barrels/day of water 1 million cuft/day of gas

at pressures up to 150 psig.

Flow Loop in Vertical Position

Vertical Storage Tanks and Liquid Metering Oil and water are stored in vertical tanks ( tanks in background ), then fed to the centrifugal pumps and metered using appropriate turbine meters.

Centrifugal Pumps Liquid flow is established using centrifugal pumps, each capable of delivering up to 5000 barrels per day through the flow loop.

Three Phase Separator Gases and liquids are separated in the three phase separator ( white tank in back ), then the gas is metered by several gas flow computers and the liquid returns to the storage tanks.

Flow Loop Control Computer The Flow Loop Control Computer uses a Labview Virtual Instrument Program to acquire pressure data and control gas and liquid flow rates.

Contact us for more information on Multiphase Fluid Flow research at the University of Texas.

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