Model of continuous liquid removal from gas wells by droplet diameter estimation

Observational procedures are used to develop liquid loading models associated with gas production. The performance of various critical liquid-removal flow rate models are compared and critiqued by examining model outputs. Critical liquid-removal flow rates calculated by different models are found to vary considerably. Using the balance relationship between total surface free energy of liquid droplets and turbulent kinetic energy of gas flow, we developed a new model that considers the influence of droplet diameter on critical liquid-removal flow rate of gas wells. Model reliability is verified by comparing model results with gas well production data from four gas reservoirs in China.