The effect of inclination on flow regime boundaries and slug flow characteristics

Multiphase schemes for oil and gas production systems are becoming more common as the development of marginal fields necessitates a reduction in capital costs. Prediction of flow regime within these pipelines and the characteristics of the flow, especially within the slugging regime, is required in order to design the pipeline and the downstream separation and processing facilities. Test rig studies have been carried out at BP's Sunbury Research Centre on the effect of small changes in pipeline inclination on both the flow regime and the characteristics of slug flow. Results from tests on a 2-in. rig are quoted