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(Lynn Rowlan, Echometer Co., Lynn@Echometer.com)

( James F. Lea, PLTech LLC (806) 239 2963, jamesflea@aol.com)

Coleman Critical Velocity for Gas Wells

Coleman Equation (Exxon) for calculating minimum gas velocities for gas wells with a wellhead pressure less than 1000 psi.
= 1.59
1 4

( L g ) 14

1/2

= Minimum gas velocity in units of = Surface Tension in units of

ft s

dynes cm

lbm ft 3 lbm g = Gas Phase Density in units of 3 ft

L = Liquid Phase Density in units of

Assuming that the surface tension, , of condensate is 20

dynes dynes and that of water is 60 , cm cm lbm lbm and Liquid Phase Density, L , of condensate is 45 3 and that of water is 67 3 , ft ft o and assuming the gas gravity is 0.6 and gas temperature is 120 F, the above equation can be expresses as a function of pressure, were p is in units of psi .

WATER

(67 0.0031p ) 4 = 4.43 (0.0031p ) 12

1

(45 0.0031p ) 4 CONDENSATE = 3.37 (0.0031p ) 12

1

When water and condensate both present, use the water equation. When you flow above the critical velocity (see graphs on opposite side) it is predicted that droplets are being carried up by the gas velocity and are not accumulating in the well. If you are flowing below the critical velocity, then you are predicting that droplets are not being carried upward and are accumulating in the well. The well may or may not cease to flow even if you are below the critical rate but flowing below the critical rate, will decrease production.
Coleman, S. B, Clay, H. B., McCurdy, D. G and Norris, H. L. III, A New Look at Predicting Gas-Well Load Up, Journal of Petroleum Technology, March, 1991, pp. 329-333

ECHOMETER COMPANY 5001 DITTO LANE WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS 76302 USA PHONE: 940/767-4334 FAX: 940/723-7507 E-MAIL: info@echometer.com www.echometer.com

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Coleman Unloading Rate for Well producing Water

2500

2000

Rate (Mcfd)

1500

4-1/2 OD 3-1/2 2-7/8 2-3/8 2-1/16

3.958 ID 2.992 2.441 1.995 1.751

1000

500

0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500

Flowing Pressure (psi)

Colem an Unloading Rate for W ell Producing W ater Coiled Tubing

1000 900

800

700

2.875 OD 2.499 ID 2.375 2.063 2.00 1.732 1.50 1.25 1.25 1.06

Rate (Mcfd)

600

500

400

300

200

100

0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500

Flow ing Pressure (psi) ECHOMETER COMPANY 5001 DITTO LANE WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS 76302 USA PHONE: 940/767-4334 FAX: 940/723-7507 E-MAIL: info@echometer.com www.echometer.com